In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 26, Bengaluru is bracing for a temporary halt in liquor sales, spanning three consecutive days.
Timings of Liquor Sales Ban
As per a directive from the Bengaluru city police department, all liquor outlets will cease operations from 5 pm on Wednesday, April 24, until midnight on April 26.
Additional Ban on Counting Day
Following the polling process, a supplementary ban on liquor sales will be implemented from 12 am on June 3 to 12 am on June 4, coinciding with the vote counting procedure. During this period, establishments such as shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, and taverns will be prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages. Restaurants and hotels will only be permitted to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Official Order
An order issued by Bengaluru city police commissioner, B Dayananda, invoked Section 135(c) of the Karnataka Excise Statutes (General Clauses) Rules, 1967 and Rule-10(b) of the Government and Representation of the People Act, 1951. The order mandates the ban on all types of liquor production, sale, distribution, transportation, and storage, declaring the designated days as ‘Dry Days.’
Imposition of Section 144
In addition to the liquor sales ban, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC will be enforced from 6 pm on April 24 until midnight on April 26 within the Bengaluru city commissionerate limits. The orders entail restrictions on gatherings exceeding five individuals, rallies, public meetings, possession of lethal weapons and explosives, display and burning of effigies, delivery of provocative speeches, and public chanting of political slogans.
