India is in the middle of a major election season, and with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has a clear message for residents of poll-going states: keep the drinks cabinet locked.
In a notification issued today, the ECI has directed that Monday, May 4, 2026—the day votes will be counted for the ongoing assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry—be declared a dry day across all these poll-going states and Union Territories.
Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits the sale, gifting or distribution of any alcoholic or intoxicating substance at any shop, hotel, eating house, tavern, club or other premises—public or private—in a polling area for a period of 48 hours ending with the conclusion of polling. The ECI has extended this principle to counting day as well, a practice it follows consistently across all elections.
This means that on May 4, no liquor shop, bar, hotel, restaurant, club, or any other establishment in the affected states will be allowed to serve or sell alcohol to anyone, regardless of what category of licence they hold. Star hotels, non-proprietary clubs, and premium restaurants are all covered. The ECI has additionally directed that restrictions on storage of liquor in unlicensed premises under state excise laws be "vigorously enforced" during this period.
Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry voted on April 9, while Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase I) will head to the polls on April 23. West Bengal Phase II concludes on April 29. All results will be declared on May 4.
Outside the five poll-going states, the dry day notification does not apply, but if you happen to be in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala or Puducherry on counting day, the rules will be in effect.