- Delhi declares three dry days from October to December.
- Liquor sales banned on Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti.
- Most licensed establishments affected; hotel residents exempted.
Delhi Dry Days: Liquor sales are prohibited at most licensed establishments in the national capital today, October 2, on account of Gandhi Jayanti.
According to an order issued on September 24 by Excise Commissioner Sunny K Singh under Rule 52 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, the Delhi Excise Department has declared three dry days across the city on October 2 for Gandhi Jayanti, November 8 for Diwali, and November 24 for Guru Nanak Jayanti. The sale of alcohol will remain prohibited for specified licensed categories on these dates.
Affected Liquor License Categories: Full List
Licenses Closed On All Three Days
The order lists wholesale vendors for foreign and Indian liquor (L-1, L-1F), wholesale/retail vendors for specific products (L-2), hotel, restaurant, and bar licences for serving liquor (L-3, L-4, L-5), and retail vending licences operated via public sector corporations (L-6, L-6FG, L-6FE) among those required to observe restrictions. It also includes specialised retail, club, and bar licences (L-8, L-9, L-10, L-10-1, L-11, L-14), alongside institutional services, wholesale operations, bonded warehouses, and specific consumption or hospitality venues (L-23, L-23F, L-25, L-26, L-31, L-32, L-33, L-34, L-35), Hindustan Times reported.
Licenses Closed On October 2 Only
A separate group of licence holders has been directed to observe a dry day today, October 2. This includes bars or restaurants attached to hotels (L-16, L-16F), liquor service in hotel rooms, banquet halls, or party areas (L-17, L-17F), and club or institutional service setups (L-18, L-18F, L-19, L-19F). It further covers temporary or specialised venues (L-20, L-21, L-22), retail and consumption setups for military or semi-governmental vends and messes (L-28, L-28F, L-29, L-29F), and temporary or occasional permits for serving liquor at parties, weddings, or banquet setups (P-10, P-10A, P-13).
Who Are Exempted?
The restriction on liquor sales on specified dates does not apply to the service of alcohol to residents staying in hotels holding L-15 and L-15F licences.
Guidelines For License Holders
Licensees must keep their premises closed on the applicable dry days and display the order prominently at their establishments. The department has stated that licence holders will not be entitled to any financial compensation for changes arising from these restrictions.
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Why Dry Days Are Observed In India
State governments across the country declare dry days to maintain public order and the sanctity of major national, religious, or cultural events. Residents and visitors are advised to check state-wise notifications in advance, while commercial establishments must ensure strict compliance with excise orders.