Delhi: National capital Delhi will only have three dry days (when liquor stores are closed and bars and restaurants are not allowed to sell booze) this year, according to an order issued by the excise department on Monday.
In 2022, only Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti will be marked as dry days.
"In accordance with Rule 52 of the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, it is hereby ordered that – Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) – be observed as "dry days" in the national capital by all excise department licensees and vends located in Delhi for the year 2022," the order stated.
The number of dry days in the Capital was among the highest among states and territories, with 21. A drop in the number had been a long-standing desire of liquor shop owners, bars, and restaurants, and it was expected to be included in the new excise policy that took effect in October.
Apart from the three, the Delhi government may declare any other dry day, from time to time, said the order.
On March 22, last year, Manish Sisodia, the city's deputy chief minister, and excise minister stated that Delhi would have a new excise regime that would lower the legal drinking age to 21, reduce the number of dry days, and implement several changes. Many of the modifications have been enacted, and now that the number of dry states has decreased, some people believe that the drinking age will be lowered.
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