Haryana Liquor Policy: The Haryana state cabinet adopted a new liquor policy for the next 21 months on Monday, including early closing hours for the city vends, a ban on live performances in ahatas, and an end to alcohol sales in villages with less than 500 people.
The policy, from June 2025 to March 2027, is also a change from its present yearly adjustments and marks the government's first attempt to synchronise liquor rules with the April-March fiscal year.
Officials stated that the changed regulation will have the most immediate impact on small villages, with 152 sub-vendors compelled to suspend business in settlements with 500 or fewer individuals.
"The move reflects the govt's push towards responsible retailing and addressing social concerns in rural areas at the same time," an official said.
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Even urban businesses have been affected. Vendors must now close by 4 AM instead of the 8 AM deadline due to the new regulation, which requires early closures.
Taverns, also known as ahatas, are only permitted to operate from covered spaces that have been authorised by the excise department and should not be visible to bystanders.
"The policy explicitly prohibits live singing, dancing, or theatrical performances within taverns to ensure a controlled and responsible drinking environment," the official said.
Additionally, the policy highlights public safety and social responsibility. It states that cautions such as "consumption of alcohol is injurious to health" and "do not drink and drive" shall be clearly displayed on the signboards of all licensed retail vendors and sub-vends.