Liquor outlets to remain closed on New Year holidays

Colombo, April 8 (Daily Mirror) - All liquor shops across the country will remain closed on April 13 and 14 in line with the Sinhala and Hindu New Year period, Excise Commissioner General M.B.N.A. Pemaratne has announced.

He said that, with government approval, all licensed outlets, including liquor shops, country pubs, hotel restaurants, and karaoke bars permitted to sell alcohol during the festive season, will also be closed on these two days.

Pemaratne warned that strict legal action will be taken against any licensee found violating excise laws by selling liquor during the closure period.

He further urged the public to report any incidents of liquor smuggling during the two days to the Excise Department hotline on 1913.

The Commissioner General also stated that excise officers in Galle, Anuradhapura, Nuwara Eliya, Kurunegala, and island-wide Special Operations Units have been placed on high alert to curb illegal drug trafficking and related offences during the New Year festivities.