TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The protests lodged by hoteliers against the Election Commission notification which fixed closure of their establishments at 11 pm has finally borne fruit. There will be no early closure for hotels serving food while the election code of conduct is in force. They can continue to remain open throughout the night.
The Election Commission (EC) on Saturday issued a direction to collectors of both districts and the commissioner of excise to issue an amended notification lifting the closure timing of 11 pm fixed for hotels and eateries.
The government agreed to amend the notification after hoteliers led by Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) made a representation to Chief Secretary explaining the inconvenience caused to tourists due to new closure timing.
When contacted Joint Chief Election Commissioner Narayan Navti told Herald that direction has been issued to authorities to issue an amended notification but this exemption is not made applicable to hotels serving liquor.
The earlier order had mandated that for the period between January 25 and February 6 all hotels, eateries, bars and restaurants were required to close at 11 pm. Between February 6 and March 6, their closure timing was brought forward to 10 pm. The places serving liquor though have been given an exemption to a limited extent.
‘The shops serving liquor will have to close at 11 pm, and this timing will be applicable till February 16,” Navti informed. However for the period between February 16 and March 6, their closure timing will be 10 pm.
TTAG and hoteliers had demanded that extended closure timing be made applicable for Carnival celebration that starts on February 18.
Director of Tourism Swapnil Naik who also attended the meeting which was called by Chief Electoral Officer,
“With February 16 being the last day for scrutiny of nominations, it is highly improbable that any further extension in closure timing will be granted to hotels and bars serving liquor,” Naik said.
