MARGAO: Anxious about the losses they are certain to face due to the 10 pm deadline to turn off music, several tourism stakeholders from across Salcete demanded that the government give them clarity on the rules, and bring an amendment to the Act, in order to safeguard the tourism prospects of the State. On Monday, several hoteliers and owners of open-air venues attended a meeting at the South Goa Collectorate,
The recent High Court Order seeks to tighten the screws on loud music being played at night, especially around residential areas, but local stakeholders lament that the 10 pm deadline will also affect outdoor events such as Goan weddings and cultural programmes, apart from tourism-related events
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Cavelossim-based hotelier Dixon Vaz demanded that the government amend the laws.
“There are no complaints related to loud music in South Goa, as compared to the North district. Why should the stakeholders of this district face the heat, when we are not at fault?” he questioned. He said that the issue needs to be thought over and addressed properly, as it will sound a death knell to tourist arrivals in the State, especially in the peak months.
“Presently, the Deputy Collector is going ahead with implementing the directions issued to them. Business will take a bad hit if we have to implement this 10 pm deadline of turning off music,” he said, adding that all 40 MLAs need to discuss the issue and consider the plight of tourism stakeholders in the State, who have already witnessed a bleak season.
The stakeholders pointed out that several Christmas and New Year’s Eve dances, which traditionally go on till the wee hours of the morning, for decades now, will also be affected by these new rules.
