December 19, 20 and 22, 2025, has been officially declared a dry day across most of Goa due to the Zilla Panchayat elections - EXCEPT municipal areas such as Panaji, Margao, and Vasco.
The dry day applies to rural and village jurisdictions under the Zilla Panchayat in both North and South Goa. In these areas, liquor shops remain shut, and bars or restaurants are permitted to operate only for food, provided they clearly display a “No Liquor” notice.
However, municipal areas are exempt.
Cities such as Panaji, Margao, and Vasco fall outside Zilla Panchayat limits, which means liquor service is not automatically restricted there.
In simple terms:
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Beach villages and rural belts like Anjuna, Vagator, Candolim— expect a dry day.
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Main towns and cities like Panjim, Margao, Vasco— business as usual, subject to venue compliance.
FAQS
1. Is December 19 a Dry Day in Goa?
Yes. December 19, 2025, has been declared a dry day in most parts of Goa due to the Zilla Panchayat elections. The dry day applies to rural and village areas that fall under Zilla Panchayat jurisdiction across North and South Goa. However cities under municipal jurisdiction are exempt.
2. Is Panjim Exempt from the Dry Day?
Yes, Panjim is exempt. Municipal areas such as Panjim (Panaji), Margao, and Vasco are not under Zilla Panchayat control, which means the dry day restrictions do not automatically apply in these cities.
3. Is It a Dry Day in Panjim on December 19?
No, Panjim is not officially a dry day area on December 19. While most village and beach areas will observe a dry day, Panjim, being a municipal city, is generally exempt from election-related dry day restrictions.
4. Is December 20 or December 22 a dry day in Goa?
Yes The Zilla Panchayat elections continue onto 20th and 22nd December. (Note that it skips a day). Dry day rules apply only on these days to rural areas and villages, such as popular beach areas, that are under Panchayat control. Panjim, Margao and Vasco are exempt as they are under Municipal Jurisdiction.