Liquor Shops Closed on Janmashtami: The state government has declared Friday, September 4, 2026, as a ‘Dry Day’ across Chhattisgarh on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Issuing an order in this regard, the Commercial Tax (Excise) Department has directed all concerned officials to ensure strict compliance with the Dry Day provisions. According to the order, all retail shops selling country-made and foreign liquor across the state will remain closed on September 4. Additionally, restaurant bars, hotel bars, clubs, ahatas (attached drinking areas), and all licensed establishments selling or serving liquor will remain closed. Retail shops selling bhang and bhang-ghota will also remain shut during the Dry Day.
Complete Ban on Liquor in Hotels, Clubs, and Restaurants
The state government has clarified that no hotel, restaurant, club, other establishment, or individual will be permitted to sell or serve liquor during the Dry Day. This restriction applies to non-proprietary clubs, restaurants, and star-rated hotels as well. During the Dry Day period, there will be a strict prohibition on the personal storage of liquor as well as the storage of liquor in unlicensed premises. If any violation of the rules is detected, the liquor will be confiscated, and action will be taken against the concerned individual or establishment in accordance with the law.
Crackdown on Illegal Liquor
The Excise Department has been instructed to maintain special vigilance to prevent the transportation, storage, and sale of illegal liquor during the Dry Day. District offices, as well as divisional and state-level flying squads, have been directed to take effective action. Inspection teams will be constituted to check potential storage sites for illegal liquor and inspect suspicious vehicles. In the event of rule violations, cases will be registered against the offenders, and action will be taken as per the regulations.
