Overview
- Excise Commissioner Rajesh Deshmukh said reports canceling dry days on the three dates were false and the liquor policy is unchanged.
- Officials affirmed enforcement of eight mandatory dry days under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, including Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti.
- Authorities reminded that district collectors can declare additional local dry days under Section 142 of the Act.
- Earlier media stories had claimed licensed sales would be allowed on select festivals to curb illicit liquor and protect excise revenue, but the department issued a formal clarification.
- Separately, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said repeat violations by orchestra bars will lead to licence cancellation, with a legal amendment to be introduced.