Big warning for BEVCO outlets, bars, hotels and party lovers in Kerala! In 2026, BEVCO liquor shops and regular bars will remain closed on 21 days, including the 1st of every month (12 fixed dry days) and select public holidays. Nationwide bans on Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15) and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) apply. Among major festivals, only Thiruvonam (Onam main day) is a dry day for BEVCO – shops open on Vishu, Christmas and most others.
3-star and above hotels can serve liquor on monthly dry days (1st of month) for approved events like weddings or conferences with special permit. Violators face fines or issues. Stock up in advance – private consumption allowed, but no sales in outlets!
Know Complete Details of Dry Days in Kerala 2026
Policy follows 2025 pattern extended to 2026 by Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO):
- 12 Fixed Monthly Dry Days: 1st of every month (Jan 1, Feb 1, Mar 1, Apr 1, May 1, Jun 1, Jul 1, Aug 1, Sep 1, Oct 1, Nov 1, Dec 1).
- Additional ~9 Public Holidays: Including Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Thiruvonam (Onam), and others.
- Total Closures: Around 21 days for BEVCO outlets and regular bars.
- Relaxations: 3-star+ hotels can serve on 1st-of-month dry days for events (₹50,000 permit, apply 7 days prior). No exemption for other dry days.
- Extra Closures: Elections, local festivals or special notifications.
Shops open on Vishu, Christmas, Eid, etc., except if coincides with monthly 1st.
Month-Wise Dry Days in Kerala 2026 (Approximate)
Fixed: 1st of every month.
Additional key dates:
- January: 1 (Monthly), 26 (Republic Day)
- February: 1 (Monthly)
- March: 1 (Monthly)
- April: 1 (Monthly)
- May: 1 (Monthly)
- June: 1 (Monthly)
- July: 1 (Monthly)
- August: 1 (Monthly), 15 (Independence Day), Thiruvonam (Onam main day, around mid-August)
- September: 1 (Monthly)
- October: 1 (Monthly), 2 (Gandhi Jayanti)
- November: 1 (Monthly)
- December: 1 (Monthly)
Thiruvonam date varies (Malayalam calendar); confirm closer via BEVCO.
Special Rules in Kerala Cities
- Thiruvananthapuram / Kochi / Kozhikode: Strict for BEVCO and bars; queues heavy before closures.
- Tourist Spots: Star hotels get event permits on monthly dry days – boost for weddings/conferences.
- No Home Delivery: Banned on dry days.
How It Affects You – Avoid Trouble & Plan Parties
- Regular Bars/Outlets: Fully closed – no serving/sales.
- Star Hotels: Can host events with liquor on 1st-of-month (apply early).
- Buyers: Long queues before 1st; stock responsibly.
- Events: Weddings/conferences in luxury venues possible on monthly dry days.
- Tip: Check BEVCO website/app for exact notifications; elections add sudden bans.
- Edge Cases: Tourist cruises/houseboats may have relaxations; spurious sales risk higher on closures.
Policy balances tourism boost with controlled consumption.
Planning Onam or monthly events in 2026? Which dry day impacts you most? Comment below and share your views!
Stay updated with us for all latest excise rules, festivals and restrictions in Kerala 2026.