PANJIM: Amidst confusion on whether or not the Supreme Court’s order includes bars and restaurants situated along highways, the All Goa Hotel Owners Association has petitioned the Excise Department claiming that their businesses do not come under the ambit of the court’s verdict.

With Excise Department having begun the process of implementing the SC order, the department has forwarded the plea to the Goa government for a reply. “The association has submitted that the Apex Court’s order is not applicable to them but only the bars,” Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza told Herald. 

The All Goa Hotel and Restaurants Owners Association has conceded that the SC order is vague as it does not clarify whether the bars and restaurants are covered under it. “We will appeal before the SC asking for clarity and urging to keep our businesses out of the ambit. If the order applies to us, then Rs 300-400 crore will be lost as revenue annually. The sale will see a drop,” association President Gaurish Dhond said. 

The association is also awaiting the formation of a government next month to put forth their submission seeking relief. 

The Excise Department is, however, going ahead executing the SC order as its first step was formation of taluka level teams to map the number of liquor serving and liquor selling outlets within 500 metres of the National and State highways. A report is expected by February 20. It has also tied up with the Directorate of Municipal Administration and Directorate of Panchayats to ensure removal of the signages and advertisement that indicates location of liquor outlets. “We have already issued directions to remove the signages,” he stated.