Liquor shops to remain shut on Bengal polling days and 48 hours prior, excise notification issued

The West Bengal Excise Department has announced a series of “dry days” across the state in view of the upcoming Assembly elections, enforcing a complete ban on the sale of liquor during polling and counting periods. The decision has been taken in line with Election Commission guidelines to ensure law and order during the electoral process.

According to the notification, liquor shops, bars, and related establishments will remain closed in areas going to polls on April 23 and April 29. In addition, a statewide closure has been mandated on the result day, May 4. The restrictions also include a mandatory 48-hour shutdown before polling begins in each phase.

For the first phase of voting on April 23, which will cover 152 constituencies including several in North Bengal, liquor outlets will remain closed from 6 pm on April 21 until the completion of polling. Similarly, for the second phase on April 29, covering Kolkata and multiple constituencies in South Bengal, closures will be enforced from 6 pm on April 27 until voting concludes.

The notification further states that in the event of any re-polling, the same restrictions will be imposed in the affected areas. Authorities have emphasised that the measures are aimed at maintaining peace and preventing any disruptions during the election period.