As recently as mid-September 2017, the Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar, pointed
out that the government would soon come out with a notification banning
drinking in public places, amending an already existing law on the same issue.
“We will amend the existing law. The notification would be issued by
October-end. We will initiate strict action against those bars or shops that serve
liquor outside its premise, allowing consumers to stand in the open places and
consume,” he said.
This
would mean that drinking in public places will soon be an offence in the state,
with the government identifying places where liquor consumption will be banned,
in an attempt to curb any nuisance caused by people under the influence of
alcohol. However, this raises the question of how big the issue is. Is there a
massive number of locals that drink in public spaces? Is this a question of
tourists that take refuge in the fact that liquor is cheaper in Goa? Are there
people drinking in places such as outside liquor stores? Is an outright ban the
solution, and will it yield the desired result?
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Café speaks with a few locals and gets their take on the move:
In a way, it will
stop locals and tourists alike from littering bottles around in public spaces.
However, one can’t just go around banning stuff. Perhaps a better approach to
the situation may be to make certain areas unavailable for drinking.
DUNSTAN DIAS
I honestly welcome
this move. While I understand that tourism is our main source of income, the
notion that the state is one where hedonism rules the roost and people can get
away with things they wouldn’t be caught doing in their homes towns. Many
tourists come to Goa with these notions. This is not to say that the locals are
completely removed from this law. There are many local taverns where Goan men
and boys gather around their cars. This too creates an unwelcome environment.
Also, who’s to say they don’t get behind the wheel after? There a multitude of
reasons why this is a good move, I do hope it gets enforced and promotes
responsible citizenship and tourism.
DESIREE ALEMAO
Education, more than
a ban on drinking in public spaces, is required. Apart from the issue of
garbage management, I think people will drink in public irrespective of the
law. On the garbage front though, tourists and locals alike are responsible for
leaving their bottles and cans behind. We need to drill it in everyone’s head
that we have to take back what we bring to a given place.
JONATHAN DIAS
