Delhi Excise Department: Liquor Shops to Remain Open on Holi Festival

The Excise Department of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) has issued a formal notification outlining the schedule of dry days for the upcoming calendar year. According to the official directive, liquor shops across the national capital will remain open on the day of Holi, which falls on March 4. This decision comes as part of the annual review of the excise policy and the scheduling of restricted sale days in the city, while the department has communicated this order to all stakeholders and licensed vendors to ensure clarity regarding operations during the festive season.

Official Notification from the Excise Department

The order issued by the Delhi Excise Department specifies the operational guidelines for licensed premises under the Delhi Excise Act. The notification clarifies that the exclusion of Holi from the dry day list is a deliberate administrative decision. According to the department, all retail vends and licensed outlets are permitted to conduct business as usual on March 4. The department has emphasized that this schedule is subject to the prevailing laws and any further amendments that may be necessitated by administrative requirements or public order considerations.

Scheduled Dry Days for the Year 2026

As per the official calendar released for 2026, the department has identified five specific dates as dry days during the first quarter. These include January 26 (Republic Day), February 15 (Mahashivratri), March 21 (Eid-ul-Fitr), March 26 (Ram Navami), and March 31 (Mahavir Jayanti). On these designated days, all liquor shops and retail outlets in Delhi will be required to remain closed. The department has stated that the declaration of dry days is consistent with the practice of observing national and religious significance, ensuring that no retail sale of alcohol occurs on these dates.

Exemptions for Specific Hotel and Club Licenses

The excise order provides specific exemptions for certain categories of establishments. According to the department, hotels and clubs holding L-15 and 15-F licenses are permitted to serve liquor to their resident guests even on designated dry days. This exemption is strictly limited to service within the private rooms or designated areas for residents and doesn't extend to public bars or restaurants within the premises. The department has clarified that these provisions are intended to facilitate the hospitality sector and ensure that international and domestic travelers aren't inconvenienced by local restrictions.

Regulatory Compliance and Compensation Policy

The notification includes a critical clause regarding the rights of license holders. The Excise Department has explicitly stated that licensees won't be entitled to any compensation or rebate in license fees in the event of any changes to the dry day list. On top of that, the government reserves the right to declare any additional day as a dry day without prior notice if deemed necessary for maintaining public peace. All vendors are required to strictly adhere to the closure timings on dry days, and any violation of these norms will attract stringent penalties, including the potential cancellation of licenses.

Market Dynamics and Festive Season Operations

The decision to keep liquor shops open on Holi is expected to influence market operations during the festive period. The department has coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that the sale of alcohol doesn't lead to public disturbances. Enforcement teams will be active across the city to monitor compliance with the terms of the licenses. According to officials, while shops remain open, there will be zero tolerance for public nuisance or the unauthorized sale of alcohol beyond the prescribed limits. The department aims to balance commercial operations with the maintenance of law and order during the high-spirited festival.