Full moon Poya tomorrow in Anuradhapura — can I still buy a beer near the hotel or is the whole town dry?

Poya days generally mean retail alcohol sales are restricted — bottle shops and many hotel bars close or stop serving. Temple towns feel stricter because the whole street is in a quieter mood, not only the shrine gate. If you want a beer, buy the evening before from a legitimate shop while it is still open, keep it private in your room, and do not drink on temple grounds or in sight of a sacred precinct. I will not name a loophole shop. Public transport still runs, sights often open, but nightlife shrinks. Vesak and major Poyas feel even quieter. Plan food and cash the day before if your usual supermarket also shortens hours.