12-hour dry day for Hanuman Jayanthi; liquor shops shut in Cyberabad on April 2

According to the notification, the closure will be effective from 10 am to 10 pm on Thursday.

By -  Newsmeter Network
Published on : 1 April 2026 2:24 PM IST

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Hyderabad: To maintain law and order during the upcoming religious festivities, Cyberabad Police Commissioner Dr M Ramesh, IPS, has issued an official notification ordering a ‘dry day’ across the commissionerate’s jurisdiction.

All liquor outlets, including wine shops and bars, will remain closed for 12 hours on April 2 (Thursday), on account of Hanuman Jayanthi.

According to the notification, the closure will be effective from 10 am to 10 pm on Thursday. The order has been issued under the powers vested in the Commissioner under Section 20 of the Telangana State Excise Act, 1968.

Scope of the order

The temporary ban on alcohol sales applies to:

- Retail wine shops

- Toddy shops

- Bars attached to restaurants

The Commissionerate has clarified that certain establishments are exempt from this order. Bars located within Star Hotels and those operating within registered clubs may remain open and continue their services according to their regular licensed schedules.

Ensuring public peace

The decision to enforce a dry day is a standard precautionary measure taken by the police department during major festivals that involve large public gatherings and processions. By restricting the availability of alcohol, the authorities said they aim to ensure ‘public peace and tranquillity’ and prevent any untoward incidents or alcohol-related disturbances during the Hanuman Jayanthi celebrations.

Strict enforcement

Police stations and excise officials have been directed to conduct inspections throughout the day to ensure total compliance with the notification.

The Commissioner warned that any establishment found violating the order will face stringent legal action, which may include the suspension of licenses and heavy penalties under the Telangana State Excise Act.

Residents and commuters are advised to take note of these timings, as the police prepare to deploy additional forces across the Cyberabad region to oversee the peaceful conduct of the festival.

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