Bars Shut, Bottles Locked: The Bengal Elections Dry Day Rules Every Resident Must Know

With West Bengal heading to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, election-related restrictions are reshaping daily life across the state.

A standard 48-hour dry day has ballooned into a 96-hour crackdown in several districts, catching businesses, bar staff and ordinary residents off guard. Here is a clear breakdown of what is in force and what it means going forward.

Why Did Kolkata's Bars Suddenly Go Dark?

On April 20 afternoon, bars and liquor shops across Kolkata shut with little warning. According to industry insiders, there was no prior intimation of an immediate closure. Viraj Kothari, owner of BBQ and One Step Up on Park Street, reportedly said he received a call from an excise officer that morning asking him to stop alcohol service immediately. 

Iconic establishments including Trincas, Olypub and Mocambo put up dry day notices, while some pubs debated whether the order applied at all.

What Law Governs This?

The legal basis is Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits the sale, distribution or service of any intoxicating liquor at any hotel, restaurant, shop or public or private place within a polling area for 48 hours ending at the close of polling. No establishment category is exempt.

When Are the Dry Days and Which Districts Are Affected?

Phase 1 covers 152 constituencies across 16 districts, including Darjeeling, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bankura and Purba Medinipur. The ban runs from April 21 to April 23 (till 6 pm). Phase 2 covers 142 constituencies across Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia and Purba Bardhaman, with the ban from April 27 to April 29 (till 6 pm). Counting day, May 4, is a dry day statewide.

Why 96 Hours Instead of the Standard 48?

The state excise department reportedly flagged an "unusual spurt" in liquor sales during the Model Code of Conduct period, along with a spike in packaged liquor lifting by retailers. Authorities invoked Section 26 of the Bengal Excise Act, 1909, directing district magistrates to extend closures to 96 hours in affected areas, citing concerns about liquor being used as a voter inducement.

The new order extends the dry days from April 20-23 (Phase 1) and April 25-29 (Phase 2).

What Happens If the Rules Are Violated?

According to the Election Commission, authorities have been instructed to ensure immediate enforcement. Violations attract penalties under both the Representation of the People Act and the Bengal Excise Act.

When Does Normal Service Resume?

Phase 1 restrictions lift April 23 at 6 pm. Phase 2 eases April 29 at 6 pm. However, May 4 reactivates a statewide dry day for counting, meaning one final shutdown before hospitality operations fully normalise. 

Furthermore, Section 144 prohibitory orders activate 48 hours before Phase 1 and 2. These "silence period" curbs ban public meetings, loudspeakers, and gatherings of five or more people near booths. Residents must also observe dry days and adhere to cash carriage limits.

(With inputs from yMedia)