PANJIM: While the government has allowed renewal of licenses of liquor vends situated beyond 220 metres in small towns, it has barred this from being done in census towns and certain village panchayats.
The notification published on Thursday specifies that census towns of Curchorem, Margao, Mormugao, Panjim, Mapusa and Ponda; and village panchayats of Taleigao, Sancoale and Curti-Khandepar that have a population of over 20,000 do not come under the purview of the revised order of the Supreme Court (SC).
“In view of the revised order of SC, in the case of areas comprised in local bodies with a population of 20,000 people or less, the distance of 500 metres shall stand reduced to 220 metres. The Commissioner (Excise) shall proceed to renew the licenses of the retail sale of liquor to the licensees located beyond 220 metres from the outer edge of the State and National Highways, except in the areas comprising of census towns….” states the order issued by Finance Secretary Daulat Hawaldar.
The department has already begun the process of identifying such liquor vends with instructions issued to the respective Excise Inspectors to collect required details from the concerned village panchayats and municipalities.
Wholesalers have been exempted from both orders of the SC passed in December 2016 and March 2017 as they are not permitted to sell their products to a consumer, and only stock material for the purpose of sale to another licensee.
“They do not fall within the purview of the decision, provided they do not display any advertisement/signage,” states the notification. With regard to advertisements and signages indicating availability of liquor within 500 metres of the highways, the department officials have ensured their removal from the edge of the highways or service lanes.
The notification also informs that affected liquor traders can opt for shifting their premises beyond the prohibited areas or transfer the licence to another person within three years. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had given this option soon after the SC upheld its December 2016 order with certain relaxation to small towns.
In case any dispute is raised by affected licensee over the measurement of the distance, the notification further states that the Excise Commissioner shall refer the matter to the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records, Director who shall arrange for site measurement of the distance through taluka level teams in the presence of the licensee. This measurement shall be final and accepted as the correct distance by the commissioner while deciding the matter,” it said.
