Dry Days In Bengaluru This Month: When Will Liquor Ban Be Lifted?

As Bengaluru gears up for Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on April 26, stringent measures have been announced by city authorities to ensure peace and security during this crucial electoral process. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) will be enforced within the Bengaluru city commissionerate limits from 6 pm on April 24 until midnight on April 26.

The order, issued by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, imposes several restrictions to prevent untoward incidents during the electoral period. These include prohibitions on gatherings of more than five people, rallies, public meetings, possession of lethal weapons and explosives, as well as displaying and burning effigies. Additionally, making provocative speeches and publicly raising political slogans will be strictly prohibited.

Campaigning, use of posters, and banners will not be allowed within a 100-metre radius of polling stations during the designated period. Carrying mobile phones, cordless phones, and other electronic devices within this radius is also prohibited, except for officials or personnel with explicit permission from the District Election Officer (DEO), according to a Deccan Herald report.

While stressing the importance of upholding the model code of conduct and maintaining law and order, Commissioner Dayananda clarified that weddings and other permitted processions may proceed as long as they do not violate electoral guidelines or disrupt public order. Funeral processions are exempt from the prohibitory orders.

Dry Days In Bengaluru

A "dry day" will be observed in Bengaluru during these two days: from 12 am on April 26 to 12 am on April 27, coinciding with the polling dates, and from 12 am on June 3 to 12 am on June 4, during the counting of votes. The sale of liquor will be prohibited in the city during these periods, including at shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, and taverns. However, restaurants and hotels will be allowed to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages as usual.

Bengaluru, with its four Lok Sabha seats, including Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, and Bangalore South, will be a significant battleground in the upcoming elections. The polls, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will cover a total of 543 constituencies, with Karnataka contesting 28 seats over two phases.