The Delhi excise department on Friday issued an order declaring five dry days in the national capital between January and March, during which the sale of alcohol will be prohibited at liquor shops, bars and clubs.
According to an order issued by the Delhi Excise Department, the dry days have been declared on account of Republic Day and major religious festivals, and will apply to licensees across categories.
List of dry days in Delhi (January–March)
As per the official notification, liquor sale will remain banned on the following dates:
January 26 – Republic Day
February 15 – Maha Shivratri
March 21 – Id-ul-Fitr
March 26 – Ram Navami
March 31 – Mahavir Jayanti
Are hotels exempt from dry day restrictions?
Yes, there is a limited exemption for hotels. The ban on liquor sale does not apply to room service for guests staying at hotels holding L-15 or L-15F licences. These licences are issued to star-category hotels approved by the Tourism Department of the Government of India.
However, this exemption is strictly limited to in-room service for resident guests and does not extend to bars or public areas within hotel premises.
What rules apply to bars, clubs and licensees?
As per the Excise department order, bars and clubs will not be allowed to serve alcohol on the declared dry days.
The notification issued by the excise department further directs all licensees to prominently display the dry day notice at their premises. Any violation of the order will invite action under excise laws. The restrictions apply uniformly across the city for the specified dates.
Why are dry days declared?
A dry day is a day when the sale of alcohol is prohibited at licensed liquor shops, bars and restaurants. Such days are usually declared on national holidays, major religious occasions, or during election periods.
In some cases, the ban is enforced across the country, while in others it is limited to specific states or cities, depending on local customs and government regulations.
While the sale and serving of alcohol are restricted, consumption within private premises is generally not monitored.
The objective of declaring dry days is to maintain public order on major days and events and maintain a respectful environment for different cultures and religions on holidays. Being aware of the dry day schedule in advance helps people plan events and social gatherings without inconvenience.