Taking cognisance of the increasing number of accidents, the Supreme Court banned bars and liquor shops within 500 meters of National and State highways. The court also directed the respective governments not to renew licences of existing bars and liquor shops on highways.
Between Navelim Junction and Sarzora, on NH-17, there are four bars within 500 meters from the highway; from Sarzora to Cuncolim market there are eight bars and liquor shops; from Demani to Balli there are six bars and from Balli to Pollem Border there are eighteen bars and liquor shops.
The government gets huge revenue from these bars and liquor shop; and with the closure of these bars and shops, the government stands to lose huge revenue.
Some bar owners were upset at the Supreme Court ban. They said that the government should file a review petition seeking exemption for Goa, since the State is a tourist hot spot.
“The Supreme Court order will have a very bad effect on bars, since the bar and liquor shop owners have invested huge amount money in the business,” said a bar owner.
