Team Herald
PANJIM: As many as 100 alcohol retail stores and Bars & Restaurants, located from Divja Circle in Panjim to Banastarim in Old Goa, would face the axe as Excise Department is almost ready to implement the Supreme Court (SC) order.
The outlets, a senior excise officer said, are located within 500 metres of the national and State highways, as well as bypass roads. While the SC order does not specify if structures on the bypass are also included, the Taluka-level team has taken no chance.
“We have covered every liquor serving and selling outlets coming under the purview of SC directives. This also includes structures on the bypass roads although the order does not specify. We will act accordingly without resorting anyone to inconvenience,” an officer told Herald.
The taluka-wise teams formed under the Core Committee headed by Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza are expected to submit their respective survey reports to the department by February 28. The data will give clarity as to how many liquor outlets will not be eligible for renewal of licenses as per the order. The department will begin issuing show cause notices to the respective owners for fast-track hearing.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Municipal Administration and the Directorate of Panchayats has informed has by and large all the hoarding, signages and advertisements indicating location of the liquor selling/serving structures are removed.
Upset with the development as State was not heard in the matter, the liquor associations have decided to approach the new government post-March 11 to challenge the SC order.
