RAIPUR,CG: The Chhattisgarh government’s Commercial Tax (Excise) Department has declared August 26, 2024, as a dry day. This decision has been made in observance of ‘Shri Krishna Janmashtami,’ under which the sale and serving of alcohol will be prohibited throughout the state.

According to the order issued by the Excise Department, retail liquor shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, clubs, and other establishments selling domestic and foreign liquor in all districts of the state will remain completely closed on Shri Krishna Janmashtami. No sale or serving of any type of alcohol will be allowed, whether at licensed or unlicensed venues.

The order clearly states that there will be a strict ban on the sale or serving of alcohol at unlicensed places as well. Strict action will be taken against those violating this directive, including seizure of alcohol and filing criminal cases against the offenders.

The government has also instructed that all district collectors and police officials ensure strict compliance with this order. District offices, as well as divisional and state-level flying squads and special investigation teams, will also be formed to monitor any illegal sale of alcohol and to inspect illicit collection sites within the districts.