Bengaluru city gears up for a dry spell as liquor sales get suspended

Liquor outlets shut down from 5 pm on April 24 to 26 midnight

Order issued by Bengaluru city police commissioner B. Dayananda

In light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 26, Bengaluru city is gearing up for a dry spell as the police department has issued a directive to suspend all liquor sales for three days. Effective today, the suspension will remain in place until midnight on April 26, with liquor outlets shutting down from 5 pm on April 24, as per reports.

Also read: Bengaluru: Liquor ban from February 14 to 17 to ensure fair electoral process for teachers’ by-election

Furthermore, another liquor ban is slated for June 3, commencing at 12 am and concluding at 12 am on June 4, coinciding with the vote counting process post-election. During these periods, establishments including shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, and taverns are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages. Restaurants and hotels are only authorized to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages, according to the directive.

The order, issued by Bengaluru city police commissioner B. Dayananda, cites section 135(c) of the Karnataka Excise Statutes (General Clauses) Rules, 1967, and Rule-10(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as the legal basis for the suspension.

Additionally, anticipatory measures are being taken with the enforcement of Section 144 of the CrPC within the Bengaluru city commissionerate limits. Prohibitory orders include restrictions on gatherings exceeding five individuals, rallies, public meetings, possession of weapons, provocative speeches, and public chanting of political slogans, effective from 6 pm on April 24 until midnight on April 26.