CALANGUTE: The Calangute Village Panchayat has banned consumption of alcohol on the beaches, streets or any public place in its jurisdiction.
According to a public notice issued by the panchayat, the local body observed that tourists visiting the beaches and other public places are found littering the place by breaking liquor bottles and also throwing the bottles in the sea and open places. The notice warns that violation of the ban by an individual would attract a fine of Rs 2,000, and by a group, Rs 10,000.
If the violators refuse to pay the fine, they shall be liable for punishment under Section 10 (1) of Goa Tourist Places Protection and Maintenance Act 2001. Under Section 10 (2) of the same Act, drinking on beaches and public places is cognizable and non-bailable offence.
Calangute VP Sarpanch Shawn Martins told Herald that tourists are creating a nuisance and are littering the place by drinking on the beaches.
“Locals have brought this issue to our notice on several occasions. The topic has been raised in the gram sabha also demanding a ban on drinking in public places. Some tourists who buy alcohol from the wholesale wine shops leave the bottles in public places, break bottles on the beaches as well as pick up fights. Hence, we have published this notice recently. Now we will create an awareness of this notice,” Martins said.
“Next, we will put up signboards at the entry points warning the tourists against drinking in public places. We will also see to that wine stores have these boards outside their outlets. After which with the help of the police, we will ensure that patrolling is carried out on the beach and the tourists violating the order and consuming alcohol shall be penalised,” he added.
