Financial Times

No liquor except in casinos!
While wine stores and bars were closed for three days from April 1, in view of the parliamentary poll, casinos in Colombo remained open with liquor being served, The Sunday Times FT discovered.

One of the FT reporters walked into a well-known casino in Colombo on Friday afternoon and found it filled with well-heeled locals including women. Most were gambling while some were drinking whisky.

Excise Commissioner R.P.E. Bandara, asked for his comments, said the liquor ban applies to all outlets including bars, casinos and hotels.

"It's just like the Poya day rule where all outlets including hotels cannot sell or offer liquor except in guest rooms (in the case of hotels)," he said. Casinos offer free food and drink including alcohol to patrons.

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