The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a 48-hour "dry day" period in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal ahead of polling. During this time, the sale and distribution of alcohol will remain completely prohibited.
In Tamil Nadu, voting will take place on April 23 and in West Bengal, voting will take place on April 29 (Phase III). In both states, the 48-hour dry day period starts two days before voting and continues until polling ends.
Liquor shops and bars in Tamil Nadu will remain closed from April 21 (6 pm onwards) to April 23, covering the voting day. In West Bengal, the dry day will start from April 27 (6 pm onwards) to April 29 and will continue until voting ends.
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The Commission said, "No spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquor or other substances of like nature shall be sold, given or distributed at a hotel, eating house, tavern, shop or any other place, public or private, within a polling area during the period of 48-hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll for any election in the polling area."
In addition to this, all places that are allowed to serve alcohol, such as clubs, star hotels, restaurants, and other licensed hotels under different liquor permits, will not be allowed to serve alcohol on the declared dry days.
Authorities have also been directed to strictly enforce rules on the storage of liquor in unlicensed premises.
"The storage of liquor by individuals shall be curtailed during the above period and the restrictions provided in the excise law on the storage of liquor in unlicensed premises shall be vigorously enforced," the Commission said.
The Commission also directs that the date on which counting of votes is to be taken up, i.e., May 4, 2026, shall also be declared "Dry Day" under the relevant laws in the poll-going State/UT.
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