Team Herald
PANJIM: The district administration has ordered that all liquor outlets including bars should be closed at 11pm in view of the Lok Sabha elections on April 23. While the restriction of timing is till April 20, these outlets will have to be shut for 48 hours – 2 days before the voting for the Lok Sabha polls and three by-polls on April 23.
North Collector R Menaka has warned that if any establishment coming under the purview of the order is found operating beyond 11pm, action will be initiated against its owners.
“All liquor serving and selling outlets have to be closed by 11pm. However, food can be served beyond this time. The licensed premises having licence for bar and restaurant are allowed to keep the restaurant open for food but the bar will have to be closed and no liquor will be allowed for serving or selling purpose beyond 11pm,” she said while speaking to Herald.
The owners of the licensed premises having bar & restaurant are asked to display a board informing customers that no liquor will be available beyond 11pm. The district election officer further said that the flying squads will keep a strict watch at these establishments while also the excise department is directed to ensure the order is not violated.
“In view of ensuring General Election to the Lok Sabha 2019 for North Goa Parliamentary Constituency and to ensure free, fair, peaceful and orderly conduct of the entire election process all the liquor shops/bars and restaurants, pubs, food joints, shacks etc. serving or selling liquor in North Goa are prohibited from selling or serving liquor after 11 pm for the period up to April 20, 2019,” said the government’s official note. Furthermore, they are prohibited from selling or serving liquor for the period commencing from 6 pm onwards April 21, 2019 up to 12 midnight on April 23,2019.
The casinos, a senior government official said, are also directed to abide by the order.
The order states that any liquor shop/bar, pub or any establishment serving or selling liquor found violating this order, during the prescribed period is liable for cancellation of license and the owner or offender will be liable for penal action.
