Kerala announces dry days for local body elections: Liquor sales banned on these days

Thiruvananthpuram: In preparation for the upcoming local body elections, the Kerala government has announced dry days from December 7 to December 11, with an additional dry day on December 13, the counting day. The move follows a request from the State Election Commission to ensure a fair and peaceful polling process.

The first phase of polling will take place on December 9 in seven districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam. Liquor sales in these districts will be banned from 6 pm on December 7 until polling concludes on December 9.

The second phase is scheduled for December 11 in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. In these areas, liquor sales will be prohibited from 6 pm on December 9 until polling ends on December 11. December 13 will be observed as a statewide dry day for vote counting.

The restrictions cover the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol in all hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, and retail outlets. Individuals are also barred from storing liquor during the dry days. The Excise Department has been tasked with strict enforcement to prevent illegal sales or transport of alcohol.

The ban is in accordance with Rule 7(11)(vi) of the Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, 2002, and Rule 28A(vi) of the Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953, which mandate a 48-hour prohibition on liquor sales before polling and on counting day. The restrictions will also apply in the event of any re-polling.

This directive aims to maintain a level playing field for voters, preventing alcohol from influencing electoral behaviour and ensuring orderly conduct throughout the election period.