Kolkata, 20 April (H.S.): In view of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the state excise department has taken a significant step by ordering the closure of liquor shops four days prior to polling. Following the new notification, liquor outlets in districts going to the first phase of voting have already been shut since Sunday night.

For areas scheduled to vote in the second phase on April 29, liquor shops will remain closed from April 25. Additionally, the government has directed that state-run liquor warehouses remain shut from Monday, preventing any additional supply to retail outlets.

The sudden decision has led to disappointment among consumers, as people usually plan purchases in advance considering the standard 48-hour restriction before elections. This time, however, the order was issued on Sunday and enforced immediately the same day.

A liquor shop owner in New Town said they received instructions on Sunday to shut operations four days before polling. He added that the warehouse supplying stock has also been closed from Monday, further impacting availability.

Officials believe the move is aimed at maintaining law and order during the elections and preventing the misuse of alcohol in the polling period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey