Complete ban on sale of liquor in rural areas on July 27 in view of Panchayat by-elections: Ashika Jain

 Complete ban on sale of liquor in rural areas on July 27 in view of Panchayat by-elections: Ashika Jain

- District Magistrate issued orders to maintain fairness of the election process

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha /July 26

By-elections are being held on 27 July 2025 on the vacant seats of Sarpanches and Panches in the state on the instructions of the State Election Commission, Punjab. In this context, District Magistrate-cum-District Election Officer Ashika Jain referred to the Punjab Excise Act, In exercise of the rights acquired under Section 54 of 1914 has directed that all liquor vends (license holder shops) located within the boundaries of respective village areas of district Hoshiarpur will be kept completely closed on 27 July 2025 in view of Panchayat elections.

He clarified that not only liquor vends and courtyards will remain closed on the above day, but consumption, serving or sale of liquor will be completely banned in any hotel, restaurant, club or other places. Additionally, no person will be able to store alcohol. The order will apply equally to all licensed premises in the district, including hotels, clubs and bars.

Ashika Jain said that the purpose of this ban is to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the elections and to keep the voting process free from any kind of obstruction or influencing elements. He said that if the order is violated, strict legal action will be taken against the concerned. The district administration has issued instructions to the police and excise department to ensure strict compliance with this order.