It’s time for another plan. A plan that is meant to ensure the night spots in the state are run in an organised manner. Yes, the authorities are planning to develop a Night Tourism Policy. This is in hope that it will put an end to the haphazard manner in which the industry operates. This move by the authorities elicited various kinds of responses from different members of the industry. Some were welcoming of the move while others felt it was a waste of time.
Tarun Sibal Shyama of Titlie expressed the hope that the policy would be pro tourism. He said, “We need a policy that not only puts a smile on the face of the tourist but also ensures that there is decorum and overall hygiene to Brand Goa.”
One has to remember recent times have been rather troubled for Brand Goa. The number of foreign tourists has dropped perceptibly over the last three years and tourists from Germany have stopped visiting the state. It was just the English and the Russian tourists who were still coming in numbers. Now with the collapse of Thomas Cook, it is expected to affect over 30,000 tourists at a conservative estimate. Many tourists came to Goa for the relaxed vibe and the parties that stretched way into the night and the early hours of the morning. The GM of a company that runs two high profile night clubs but did not want to be named, said, “Everything is fine now; we have our late-night licenses and there are no issues. We would like it to continue as it is. We continue till 3am and yes, we do not play loud music after 10 pm. We don’t want to disturb anyone and we don’t play music in the open.”
That sentiment that everything was fine was not shared by everyone. Savio Messias, President, TTAG, was blunt when he said, “As far as I am concerned, the night tourism policy is a piece of paper. Bars and clubs are open till 5 am; who is stopping them. There are exact timings in place but how many are adhering to it. The system is there but the system is not being followed. We had demanded a zone where parties like Sunburn could be held without disturbing anyone but no such place could be found. The decibel levels are in place but yes, still some parties take place because the people are not doing their jobs. I don’t understand this night time policy. It will only legalise bribing.” He went on to say the Madhya Pradesh Noise Pollution Act had to be amended for Goa. It was ridiculous that music for Carnivals had to be stopped at 10 pm. Savio said, “It is unthinkable that the Red and Black Dance during the Carnival has to stop at 10 pm. These amendments have to be made.”
Anand Chatterjee, GM Planet Hollywood, felt that it was absolutely fine to curb the volume of music of outdoor events post 10 pm though he was of the opinion that restaurant operations should be extended. It was also important, he felt, that the Hop On Hop Off should ply in North Goa between Sinquerim to Arpora or beyond for movement of tourists. Cruz Cardozo, President Goa Shack Owners Welfare Society felt it would be really beneficial if the shack owners were allowed to keep serving guests till 3 am or even 5 am if guests requested for it. He did not mind restrictions on music after 12 am. The issue of playing music was certainly a point many wanted addressed and Saurabh Bhatnagar, Director, Food and Beverages Le Meridien, Goa Calangute felt it was okay to play outdoor music till 10 pm and music indoor till 2 am.
Amit Bakhle, the man behind Cohiba, smiled when asked the question, but said, “We would like to see steps that will promote tourism in the state given that it is the base on which the economy of the state is based.”
