Liquor shops across states in India will be closed on Diwali 2026. Dry day will be observed on Sunday, November 8, in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and more, as per recent reports. Besides, liquor shops, bars and restaurants in these states have also been directed not to serve alcohol throughout the day.
On a dry day, the sale of alcohol, including country liquor, Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and beer, is prohibited at government-run, private and model liquor shops. The restriction is imposed by the state government on occasions of national, religious or social significance, which may vary from state to state. During this period, the sale and distribution of alcohol are prohibited as per applicable rules and regulations.
The sale and, depending on the government direction, supply or serving of alcoholic beverages is banned.
According to a report by NDTV profit, regular pubs, bars and restaurants across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and the NCR region will be permitted to serve only food and non-alcoholic beverages on the declared dry days. However, certain establishments are said to be exempted from the restriction under specific conditions.
In Delhi, hotels holding L-15 and L-15F licences can serve alcohol to guests staying in their rooms, added the report. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, four- and five-star hotels with special licences are said to be allowed to serve liquor to in-house guests through room service only.
The exemption, however, does not include their public bar areas, which must remain shut on the dry day.
The dry-day schedule for the remaining months of the year includes the following:
Delhi: Liquor outlets will remain closed on November 8 (Diwali), November 24 (Guru Nanak Jayanti) and December 25 (Christmas).
Uttar Pradesh: The state will observe the same three dry days, with all liquor vends directed to remain shut across the state.
Maharashtra: November 8 (Diwali) has been declared a dry day, during which liquor shops, wine stores and bars will not be allowed to serve alcohol.
Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and other states: Liquor vends will remain closed on November 8 in observance of the religious festival.
Liquor shops across these states will otherwise function during their regular operating hours on , Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, as these days have not been designated as dry days.
Failing to adhere to the guidelines on dry days can attract penalties for violations. Establishments found selling or serving alcohol in breach of the restrictions could face fines, along with the possibility of liquor licences being suspended or cancelled.
