No Booze in Delhi for Two Days! Liquor Shops Closed on Aug 15-16, But Here’s the Twist

This week, on the 15th and 16th of August, Delhi will observe two consecutive dry days, during which all liquor shops will remain closed for Independence Day and Janmashtami.

As stated in a notification issued by the excise department of the Delhi government, liquor vends of all licence categories will be shut on August 15 for Independence Day and August 16 for Janmashtami, under the provisions of Rule 52 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010.

Bars and restaurants to remain shut too

The directive also mentioned that on Independence Day and on October 2, which marks Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, all liquor outlets, bars, eateries, hotels, and clubs in Delhi will remain shut.

An exception for certain hotels

However, the restriction on liquor sales will not apply to hotels that serve alcohol to guests in their rooms and hold a 1-15 or L-15F licence. These licences are issued to star-category hotels that have approval from the Government of India’s tourism department.