GUWAHATI: Liquor sale, distribution and consumption will remain prohibited in 11 districts of Assam from November 28 to December 3 in view of the 2026 elections to the Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council.
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The Excise Department of the Assam Government has issued an order imposing the restrictions under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Rule 326(A) of the Assam Excise Rules, 2016.
The restrictions will come into effect 48 hours before polling, from November 28, and continue until the completion of the polling process on November 30. November 30, the polling day, December 1, in the event of re-polling, and December 3, the counting day, will also be observed as Dry Days. The restrictions will remain in force until the completion of counting.
The order will apply to Biswanath, Charaideo, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Golaghat, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Majuli, Sivasagar, Sonitpur and Tinsukia districts.
During the restricted period, all wholesale liquor warehouses, retail Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) outlets, including 'ON' and 'OFF' shops, liquor outlets attached to clubs and hotels, and country liquor shops will remain closed.
The order also prohibits the possession, sale, distribution and supply of intoxicating substances by individuals or groups. The restrictions will extend to hotels, restaurants, liquor shops and all other public and private premises.
Private possession and storage of liquor will also face restrictions during this period. Storing liquor at unauthorised premises will invite action under the relevant provisions of the Assam Excise Act and Rules.
Violations will invite action under the Assam Excise Act and Rules and Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act.
