Goa Enforces Six-Day Liquor Ban in Panaji and 14 Panchayat Areas for Bypolls
In a significant move ahead of crucial by-elections, the state of Goa has announced a strict prohibition on the sale of alcohol for six days in the coming week. The ban will be in effect from March 7 to March 11 and again on March 13, specifically targeting Panaji and 14 designated panchayat areas where bypolls are scheduled to take place.
Scope and Enforcement of the Ban
The directive, issued by the finance department under the Goa Excise Duty Rules, applies comprehensively to all retail stores, bars, and restaurants within the jurisdiction of the Corporation of the City of Panaji and the 14 vacant wards of the panchayats. This measure aims to maintain public order and ensure a peaceful electoral process during the sensitive voting period.
Key restrictions include:
- Bars and restaurants with valid licenses may remain open solely for serving food. The bar counters must be closed, and no liquor shall be served on the specified days.
- Owners of these licensed premises are mandated to display a prominent board stating that no liquor will be served and that the establishment is open only for food services.
- Transportation of liquor from one place to another within the areas under the jurisdiction of the 14 panchayat wards is strictly prohibited.
- The maximum quantity of liquor that any person, including their family, can possess without a permit is limited to three quart bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor or foreign liquor (excluding beer) and six bottles of beer.
Affected Areas and Official Statement
The villages witnessing bypolls where the ban will be enforced are Chandel-Hasapur, Mandrem, Piligao, Latambarcem, Pilerne Marra, Sirsaim, Salvador Do Mundo, Candolim, Aquem Baixo, Borim, Veling-Priol, Bhoma-Adcolna, Balli-Adnem, and Loliem. Finance Under Secretary Naresh Gaude emphasized that these measures are essential to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and prevent any potential disturbances linked to alcohol consumption.
This proactive step by the Goa government underscores its commitment to ensuring fair and orderly elections, aligning with broader efforts to promote civic responsibility during pivotal democratic exercises.
