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Why are the liquor sections in supermarkets locked?

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T
Tom Fletcher•16560 rep•2

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?

19

5 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

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.

31
D
Dinesh Silva•19250 rep•1

We learned this the hard way on a Friday night! Now we always buy our weekend beers by 6 PM.

46
C
Claire Dupont•11665 rep•2

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.

35
J
Josh Carter•16460 rep•2

Also remember that absolutely NO alcohol is sold anywhere on "Poya" days (every full moon). The entire country goes dry for 24 hours.

26
L
Lakmal Perera•23480 rep•1

Ah, that explains the literal iron gates. I will plan ahead next time. Thanks!

23
T
Tom Fletcher•16560 rep•2

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