Kolkata Liquor Shops Reopen After 96 Hour Poll Ban

Liquor shops across Kolkata have officially reopened their shutters following a mandatory 96-hour “dry spell” enforced by the Election Commission due to the recent polling phases. The long closure, which spanned four days to ensure a peaceful and influence-free voting environment, led to a significant surge in activity as outlets resumed business. The photo gallery captures the scene across various neighborhoods, from the heritage lanes of North Kolkata to the bustling hubs of the South, showing residents and enthusiasts queuing up as the city returns to its regular pace.

The visual report highlights a mix of relief and high demand, with store owners reporting a brisk start to the day’s sales. While the ban is a standard electoral procedure, the duration of this particular closure had been a point of discussion among the city’s hospitality and retail sectors. As the shutters went up, the images depict a city transitioning out of its strict election-day protocols, reflecting the immediate return of typical social and commercial life in the wake of the democratic exercise.