Delhi dry days today & tomorrow: No alcohol on October 9-10 amid ECI protests; here's what residents need to know

Delhi residents will have to wait until after October 10 to buy alcohol from retail liquor shops, as the national capital has declared two consecutive dry days amid the “prevailing” situation in the city.

According to an order cited by news agency PTI, liquor shops will remain closed on October 9 and 10. The Delhi government's Excise Department said the decision was taken based on inputs from the Delhi Police and as a precautionary measure to maintain “public order”.

The closure comes ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, where groups are expected to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.


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What is a dry day?

A dry day is a day on which the sale of alcohol is prohibited at licensed retail outlets, such as liquor shops. Governments typically declare dry days during elections, major religious festivals, national holidays or situations where restrictions are considered necessary to maintain law and order.

The specific dates and rules vary depending on the state or Union Territory. A dry day generally means that customers cannot purchase alcohol from retail liquor vends during the period covered by the order. The precise restrictions may depend on the notification issued by the local authorities.

Why has Delhi declared a dry day on October 9 and 10?

The two-day closure has been ordered in view of the “prevailing” situation in the capital, PTI reported, citing the official order.

The decision follows protests by opposition parties and other groups calling for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over allegations related to the SIR exercise. The groups have alleged that lakhs of voters were removed from electoral rolls during the revision process.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has also called for a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Several student groups have joined the wider demand for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.

The liquor shop closure is intended as a preventive measure to maintain public order amid concerns about the planned gatherings.

Delhi deploys over 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel

Security arrangements have been strengthened across the national capital ahead of the planned protest. A senior police officer told PTI on Thursday that more than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel had been deployed.

The officer said the police were prepared to handle the situation but clarified that permission had not been granted for a protest at Jantar Mantar.

“We are well prepared and motivated to handle the law-and-order situation in the city on Saturday. No permission has been granted so far for any protest at Jantar Mantar,” the officer said.

Police said the deployment was a precautionary measure aimed at preventing any breach of peace and ensuring the smooth movement of traffic and people. Prohibitory orders are already in force in the area.

Can you buy alcohol on a dry day?

No. During a declared dry day, licensed retail liquor shops must follow the restrictions specified in the relevant government order and cannot sell alcohol during the prohibited period.

People planning to purchase alcohol should check the applicable notification and local excise rules for the dates concerned. The rules may differ across states, and a dry day in Delhi does not automatically mean that the same restriction applies in neighbouring areas.