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Uttar Pradesh:  The Uttar Pradesh Excise Department has taken a strategic decision to extend the operating hours of retail liquor shops in Saharanpur during the peak festive period at the end of December. This move is aimed at ensuring smoother crowd management, meeting increased consumer demand, and supporting uninterrupted festive preparations across the city. The revised timings will apply on four selected days that coincide with major celebrations such as Christmas and New Year.

Official Announcement by the Excise Department

As per the official order issued by the office of the Excise Commissioner, all licensed retail liquor shops in Saharanpur will remain open for one additional hour beyond their usual closing time. Typically, these shops close at 10:00 PM; however, on the notified dates, they will be allowed to operate until 11:00 PM. The decision reflects the administration’s proactive approach to managing seasonal demand and avoiding last-minute rush at liquor outlets.

Dates Covered Under the Extended Timings

The extension of liquor shop hours is applicable only on four specific dates in December. These dates have been carefully selected to align with periods of high consumer activity due to festivals and year-end celebrations. The approved dates are December 24, December 25, December 30, and December 31. On each of these days, liquor shops will be permitted to stay open until 11:00 PM instead of the regular closing time.

Revised Liquor Shop Timings in Saharanpur

Under the revised schedule, the operational hours of liquor shops will be extended uniformly across Saharanpur. On December 24 and December 25, which mark Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, shops will close at 11:00 PM. Similarly, on December 30 and December 31, coinciding with New Year celebrations, the closing time will also be 11:00 PM. On all other days, normal operating hours will remain unchanged.

Purpose Behind the Decision

According to officials from the excise department, the primary objective of extending liquor shop hours is to manage the surge in demand that typically occurs during festive occasions. During Christmas and New Year celebrations, there is a noticeable increase in social gatherings at homes, hotels, restaurants, and clubs. The additional hour is expected to reduce congestion, prevent overcrowding at shops, and ensure a safer and more organized purchasing environment for consumers.

Impact on Consumers and Businesses

For consumers, the extended hours offer greater convenience and flexibility, especially for those making last-minute arrangements for celebrations. It allows customers to plan their purchases without unnecessary urgency, contributing to a more relaxed festive experience. For shop owners and licensed vendors, the decision presents an opportunity to increase sales volumes during one of the most profitable periods of the year.

Contribution to State Revenue

Officials have also highlighted that the move is likely to result in a significant boost to state revenue. Festive seasons traditionally witness higher liquor sales, and extending shop hours enables the government to capitalize on this trend without introducing new policies or additional administrative burden. The decision is seen as a balanced approach that benefits consumers, businesses, and the state exchequer alike.

Festive Preparations Across the City

With New Year preparations already underway in Saharanpur, including private parties, hotel events, and club celebrations, the revised liquor shop timings are expected to support the overall festive atmosphere. The additional operating hour ensures uninterrupted access to legally sold liquor, reducing the chances of illegal sales and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Administrative Guidelines and Compliance

The excise department has clarified that all liquor shops must strictly adhere to the revised timings and existing licensing conditions. Any violation of the permitted operating hours or related regulations will attract strict action as per excise laws. Local authorities have been instructed to monitor compliance closely during the extended hours.

In summary, the temporary extension of liquor shop timings in Saharanpur reflects a well-planned administrative decision designed to address festive demand, enhance consumer convenience, and support economic activity during Christmas and New Year celebrations.