A rough estimate reveals that the SC order will hit not less than 2,000 liquor outlets,  including Bars and Restaurants which are dotting our State and National highways traversing through length and breadth of Goa.

The SC order will come as a double whammy for the State. While the liquor outlets will have to struggle to eke out living, the State Excise department will witness a slump in the revenue collection.

The State is going through a piquant situation as the order by the Apex Court on December 15, 2016 was pronounced during the time when the State government in particular and political parties in general was getting readied for the 2017 Legislative Assembly Election. This period which is marred with the model code of conduct forced the State government to remain a mute spectator even as the deadline for implementing the ban was thin.

The Goa Liquor Traders Association and the Goa Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association have already sought that the new government either challenge the verdict or file a review plea. "It will not only impact the State's economy but also the livelihood of more than four lakh dependents. The State government should have been proactive and either challenge the order or filed a review petition without losing any time," legal representative of both the associations Amit Palyekar said. 

With poll results scheduled on March 11 and formation of new government likely by March 15, the associations do not want waste a single day as the implementation for non renewal of licenses begins from April 1. “We are doing our homework in the meantime so that once the government is formed, we can discuss our viewpoint. The government can then go-ahead with its petition based on our representations,” GHROA President Gaurish Dhond told Herald. 

Uncertainty looms large over Bar and Restaurant business as they are unsure whether they are also covered under the order or exempted from it. The association is groping in darkness even as it has joined hands with others to oppose the verdict. “The order is vague. There can be various interpretations to this order… We will appeal before the SC seeking clarity and urging to keep us out of the purview,” Dhond said adding the association will ‘definitely fight it out to save the livelihood of the business dependents.’

Individual owners of these structures are unsure whether or not they come under the order ambit even as they are anguished that tourism will face a major hit. "The order is confusing. But if it applies to us then where will tourism stand? Tourists visit Goa for liquor and not necessary it is consumed on the highways. We are already cash crunch because of mining closure and cracking down on some of important self employments for no fault of theirs. Targetting liquor outlets are not fair," Dominic Pereira, owner of LogCabin at Calangute said. 

John D’Cruz, co-proprietor of a 13-year-old Bar & Restaurant alongside Borim road, shares the same dilemma. “I do not know what would be the consequence. Whether my structure falls within 500 mtrs of the highway and if its license will not be renewed, is giving sleepless nights. Hope the new government acts prompt and SC hears our plea,” he said. 

While Savitri Naik, owner of Naik Bar & Restaurant is preparing to face the consequence post March 31, 2017 as her business comes within 500 mtrs of the State highway. “There is no point running the business without alcohol,” she rued. 

The associations are now planning to form a new group Goa Highway Affected Liquor Association which will represent the industry in the SC seeking relief. “There are several old roads which are still shown as national highways. This is a question of the livelihood of traditional businesses besides the tourism sector,” GLTA President Dattaprasad Naik said. 

The association members had a week ago held a marathon meeting to decide their strategy in view of the order. Speaking on behalf of its members, Naik – also owner of a wine store in Panjim had stated, “We do not agree with the SC order as it is injustice to Goans. Road accidents due to liquor outlets along the highways is just a reason to shut down our businesses. It is for the police and the RTO to monitor their respective duties…” he was quoted as saying.

Adv Palyekar argued that state government was not heard on the matter also as Goa lost over a month in the election process. “The entire scenario should not only be seen economically but also in terms of livelihood of the people,” he said. 

The Dias Wine Store at Santa Cruz will be one of those affected owing to the order. The store not only has local customers but tourists as well. “The order will impact our business, which our family is running for generations,” said the propertier of the shop while refusing to be named. 

Excise commissioner Menino D'Souza said they will begin implementing the order from April 1. He said while we are losing substantial revenue, we are also more concerned about livelihood of many Goans on this business. “The department will face substantial loss but what is more hurting is impact on the livelihood of the people, especially those whose only source of earning is this,” he said. 

The commisionerate has already formed taluka-wise teams headed by a mamlatdar to map the liquor outlets in their respective jurisdictions and submit a report latest by February 20.