Delhi Government to cut dry days from 21 to 3 in Year 2022

Good news, Delhi!

Delhi’s government announced on Monday that the city will have only three “dry days” this year. By this change, the number of ‘dry days’ has gone down from 21 to 3.

You will be able to enjoy working and partying hard. Delhi has announced that Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti will be dry days under its new excise policy. Liquor shops and opium stands will be closed on these days. During the rest of the 362 days, Delhi residents will be allowed to hoard liquor. There will be no bars or pubs open in Delhi on Republic Day (Jan 26), Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2), and Independence Day (15 Aug).

There were dry days in Delhi in 2021 on Diwali, Holi, Good Friday, Ram Navami, Id-ul-Zuha, Muharram, Janmashtami, Guru Nanak’s Birthday, and similar occasions. According to the government, even though the authority declares three days as dry days, other days may be banned by updating the order from time to time. According to Zee News India, the President of the National Restaurants Association of India, Kabir Suri, described the decision as ‘welcome’ because both buyers and sellers will benefit from it.

What is a dry day?

It’s a day during which alcohol cannot be sold. Different states decide which days are dry days. Dry days are common on national holidays and occasions, including Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), and Gandhi Jayanti (2 October).

India also observes dry days during state and national elections.

During Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha elections, prohibited days are declared 48 hours prior to the close of voting, plus the counting day. In municipalities, panchayats, and municipal corporations, prohibited days are the day of the polling, the day before, and the day of the count.