Delhi residents will not be able to purchase alcohol from retail liquor shops on October 9 and 10, 2026, following a two-day closure order issued by the Delhi government’s Excise Department. The decision was taken as a preventive measure to maintain public order in view of the prevailing situation and inputs received from the Delhi Police.
According to the circular dated October 8, 2026, all retail liquor outlets operating under the specified licence categories, including L-6, L-6B, L-6FG, L-8, L-10 and L-14, have been directed to remain completely closed on both days. The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner (Excise) and Licensing Authority Tanvir Ahmad with the approval of the competent authority.
The closure comes ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, where opposition groups and other organisations are expected to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protesters have alleged that a large number of voters were removed from electoral rolls during the revision exercise. These remain allegations raised by the groups involved.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has also called for a protest at Jantar Mantar, with several student groups reportedly joining the broader demand for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation. Authorities have taken precautionary measures amid concerns over potential public gatherings and the maintenance of law and order.
Andhra Pradesh Extends Deadline for Applications for 807 Liquor Shops to October 6
Puducherry Police Direct Bars to Close by 11 PM, Mandate CCTV Cameras at Liquor OutletsSecurity has been strengthened across the national capital ahead of the planned demonstrations. According to a PTI report citing a senior police officer, more than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed. The officer said security arrangements were in place to handle the situation, while clarifying that permission had not been granted for a protest at Jantar Mantar at the time of the statement. Prohibitory orders were also reported to be in force in the area.
A dry day refers to a period during which the sale of alcohol is prohibited at licensed retail outlets under a government notification. Such restrictions may be imposed during elections, religious festivals, national observances or situations involving public order concerns. In Delhi, consumers will need to wait until the two-day restriction ends before purchasing alcohol from affected retail liquor shops. The closure applies to Delhi under the issued order and does not automatically extend to neighbouring states.
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