Pune Dry Day Rules Changed: Liquor Shops, Bars to Reopen After 4 PM on October 23 Following High Court Order
Pune's dry day restrictions for the October 23 Maharashtra Legislative Council elections have been revised following a Bombay High Court order. Licensed liquor outlets in the notified jurisdiction must remain closed from midnight until 4 pm on polling day, after which sales can resume. A separate restriction will apply in Balewadi Ward No. 9 on October 27 until vote counting and result declaration are completed.
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Pune, October 21, 2026: Liquor shops, bars and other licensed alcohol-selling establishments in the notified areas of Pune will be allowed to resume sales after 4 pm on October 23, following a revised dry day order issued in connection with the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.
The Pune administration amended its earlier notification after the Bombay High Court directed changes to the liquor sale restrictions on October 21.
Under the revised order, the dry day will remain in force from 12 midnight to 4 pm on Friday, October 23, instead of the longer closure period announced previously.
Bombay High Court Orders Revised Dry Day Timings
The Maharashtra Legislative Council elections are scheduled for October 23, with polling taking place for five seats comprising three Graduates' and two Teachers' constituencies.
Authorities had initially announced liquor sale restrictions to maintain law and order during voting.
However, petitions challenging the extended closure were filed before the Bombay High Court. Following the court's directions, the administration revised the restrictions and instructed licensed establishments to follow the updated timings.
Separate Dry Day Restriction in Balewadi on October 27
The revised October 23 restriction applies within the jurisdiction of the Superintendent of State Excise, Pune-1.
A separate dry day order will remain applicable on October 27 in Balewadi Ward No. 9, within Pune Municipal Corporation limits.
Liquor sales in the notified Balewadi area will remain prohibited until vote counting is completed and the election results are declared.
Liquor Shops, Bars and Hotels Must Follow Rules
The restrictions apply to licensed country liquor and foreign liquor outlets, beer and wine shops, bars, clubs and liquor-serving establishments in hotels, including star-rated properties.
Authorities have clarified that license holders will not receive compensation for business losses resulting from the mandatory closure.
Any violation of the revised notification may lead to action under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, and applicable regulations.
Liquor vendors have been directed to strictly follow the revised timings and the separate counting-day restrictions.