The city of Bengaluru will observe a five-day restriction on liquor sales starting September 16 in view of the Ganesh immersion processions and related festivities being held across various parts of the city.
The temporary ban has been imposed by authorities as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and facilitate the smooth conduct of the celebrations. Residents and visitors are advised to take note of the restrictions, which will remain in effect throughout the festival period.
This is a matter of law and order, and the city has banned liquor sales for the duration of the festival to keep the atmosphere peaceful and maintain order during the festival.
As before, bars, pubs, wine stores, liquor outlets, and all other licensed places that sell alcohol will be affected by the restrictions in those areas where liquor sales will be prohibited from September 16. The ban will affect thousands of people and businesses during the festival period.
The restrictions are in place in several police station areas where Ganesh Visarjan is expected to take place from September 16 to September 20. Bengaluru Police and district authorities have long enforced such measures for large public gatherings to prevent incidents and ensure devotees in the immersion processions move peacefully and smoothly.
The dry-day declaration is part of the security measures that include increased police presence, traffic diversions, and crowd management. Citizens are urged to comply with the prescribed restrictions and follow all the guidelines, officials said.
According to reports, the liquor ban will apply to all alcohol sales within the notified limits. Retail liquor stores, bars, pubs, taverns, and restaurants licensed to serve alcoholic drinks will not be allowed to sell or serve alcohol during this period of prohibition. Similar restrictions have been in place in Bengaluru during elections, major festivals, and other large public events in the past as part of public safety measures.
Ganesh immersion is one of Bengaluru's largest annual public events, with thousands of devotees participating in processions across different parts of the city. Temporary restrictions on alcohol sales are thought to help curb disturbances and keep the festival peaceful during these occasions, police officers say.
With different immersion routes, public events, and cultural events happening simultaneously, the city is always on high alert during this fest. Such a five-day prohibition is therefore part of the city's festival security strategy.
Residents are advised to check notifications from their local police stations and civic authorities to see if their community is in the restriction zone. The ban is connected to Ganesh immersion activities and may vary for different places depending on the location and time of local processions. Those planning social gatherings during the period should take note of the dry days and comply with all the norms. In Bengaluru, as the city celebrates the Ganesh festival to its grand finale, it is hoped that the restrictions will ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly celebration for all.
