PANJIM: Even as the Central government has permitted opening up of paan shops in Green Zone areas, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has decided not to allow any such shop to operate within its jurisdiction.
The CCP was the first and only to ban sale of chewing gum, paan and tobacco products in its jurisdiction in view of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday said liquor stores and paan shops will be allowed to function in green zones while ensuring a distance of six feet from each other and that not more five people are present at one time at the shop.
Goa is classified as Green Zone by the Centre, with no new COVID-19 cases being reported since April 3 and recovery of all the positive patients.
Speaking to media, City Mayor Uday Madkaikar said, “The Corporation will not allow paan shops to run in its jurisdiction, as its consumption triggers an urge among consumers to spit and the Central government had asked States to ban smokeless tobacco products, as spitting in public increases the dangers of the COVID-19 spread.”
“Even though, we are now in Green Zone, we have to take all precautions. We just cannot allow paan shops to run. This will automatically lead to spitting,” the Mayor added.
Madkaikar said CCP inspectors will be directed to ensure that no paan shops are open and also vendors, who sit outside hotels, are not allowed.
