Why are the liquor sections in supermarkets locked?
I tried to buy a beer at Keells at 9:30 PM and the alcohol section was caged off with a padlock. What are the rules here?
5 Answers from travellers
By Sri Lankan law, retail alcohol sales (at supermarkets and "Wine Stores") are strictly limited to the hours between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM. At exactly 9:00 PM, they padlock the grilles. No exceptions.
We learned this the hard way on a Friday night! Now we always buy our weekend beers by 6 PM.
If it is past 9 PM, your only option is to go to a licensed bar, restaurant, or hotel and drink it on the premises. You cannot buy bottles to take away after 9.
Also remember that absolutely NO alcohol is sold anywhere on "Poya" days (every full moon). The entire country goes dry for 24 hours.
Ah, that explains the literal iron gates. I will plan ahead next time. Thanks!
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