ASMITA POLJI

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MAPUSA: Mapusa has wine stores and bars that date back to the Portuguese period. And being located next to NH17, the Supreme Court decision banning liquor shops along highways and within 500 metres of highways could hit businesses that have been run by generations together.

Atmaram Madeshi who runs the Madeshi Bar and Restaurant said, “My father started this shop almost 60 years ago. This is our third generation running it as my son is also in the business. This is our only source of income. The Supreme Court decision is not fair because all accidents that take place are not due to drinking. A person who wants to drinks can buy it anywhere and it is not necessary that he will buy it only on the highway. Since the Supreme Court has taken a decision, we are completely dependent on the next government which will be formed in month of March to decide.”

Rajan Goltekar who owns Rajan Bar said, “My grandfather started this business during the Portuguese times. This is our third generation running it. We have only done this business and this is our only source of income. We cannot do anything because we are completely dependent on the government and will wait for the government to be formed to decide on this. Before taking any decision they should think about the people who are in the business.”

For Shobha Narvekar, who runs Premanand Wine Stores, this is a crisis. She said, “My husband was running this shop. After his death I had no option other than taking over. My father-in-law had started this business but now since he is old, he cannot run the shop. I only want to say that instead of closing liquor shops on highways the authorities should ban manufacturing of liquor, cut it at the source. If they close the shops than what should we do for our livelihood?, she asks. But no one’s answering. Certainly not the government.