Team Herald

PANJIM: In view of ensuing assembly by-election to Panjim constituency scheduled on May 19, the North Goa District has issued instructions to ensure free, fair, peaceful and orderly conduct of the entire election process. 

The District Magistrate, who is also District Election Officer has ordered that all liquor shops/bars and restaurants, pubs, food joints, shacks etc serving or selling liquor in the constituency are prohibited from selling or serving liquor after 11 pm from April 24 to May 16.

Further, these institutions are also prohibited from selling or serving liquor from 6 pm onwards on May 17 up to midnight on May 19, which means it would be a dry day period in view of voting in this constituency. 

On May 23 when votes for Lok Sabha and the four assembly constituencies will be counted, all the alcohol serving and selling premises across the State are barred from carrying out their business.  

“The licensed premises having licence for bar and restaurant are allowed to keep the restaurant open for serving food only and the bar counter will be closed and no liquor will be allowed to be served or sold during the above mentioned days and time. The owners of the licensed premises having bar and restaurant will display a board in the premises stating that “No Liquor will be served” on the said days and time and that only the restaurant is open for serving food. Any liquor shop/bar, pub or any establishment serving or selling liquor is found violating this order, during the prescribed period will be liable for cancellation of licence and the owner or offender will be liable for penal action under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1908, with Section 30 of the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964 and other relevant provisions of law in force,” the order reads.