The Chhattisgarh Commercial Tax (Excise) Department on Wednesday ordered the closure of liquor shops on January 19 and 20 to coincide with the three-tier panchayat elections.
The election and bye-election are due on January 20.
During this period, no spirit, fermented or alcoholic liquor or other substance of a like nature shall be sold, given or distributed in any hotel, restaurant, shop or any other public or private place within the polling area.
The order said that in the restricted areas, no shop, hotel, restaurant, club or any other establishment will be allowed to sell or serve liquor.
Even personal storage and storage in unlicensed premises is strictly prohibited.