PANAJI: As part of its preparations to implement the Supreme Court order banning sale of liquor within 500 metres of national and State highways, the Goa government is gearing up to identify such outlets. A core committee of representatives of concerned departments headed by Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza has initiated procedures, officials said.
Mr. D’Souza told The Hindu on Wednesday that the SC order will come into force on March 31, after which the State Excise Department cannot renew licenses of liquor outlets falling within the stipulated zone. He said there are roughly 2,500 to 3,000 such liquor outlets in Goa, and their owners have been asked to approach the Advocate General on policy to relocate outlets beyond 500 metres. Overall, he said, there are over 10,000 liquor outlets in the State.
The Excise Department has also received several representations from tourism stakeholders including the Goa Travel and Tourism Association and the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurant Owners, as many of the outlets are part of their restaurants and hotels.
In its election manifesto, the BJP has promised to work out a legal mechanism.
