PANJIM: Drinking in public places will soon be an offence in the State. The State Government will soon identify places where liquor consumption will be banned to curb nuisance casued by people under the influence of alcohol.
The State Government is also mulling to suspend the licences of bars that allow consumption of alcohol in open area.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday announced to come out with a notification banning drinking in public places, by this month-end. “We will amend the existing law. The notification would be issued by October-end,” he said.
“We will initiate strict action against those bars or shops which serve liquor outside its premise allowing consumers to stand in the open places and consume,” he stated.
The government will have to bring in an amendment to the Goa, Daman and Diu Excise Act, 1964, which would give powers to the Excise department to ban the consumption of liquor in public places and also crackdown on offenders.
State has already banned drinking on the beaches. Following Supreme Court directions, banning sale of liquor on highways, State made necessary amendments giving relief to thousand of liquor traders in municipal areas and have begun renewing the licences.
Further, the chief minister said that government has decided to come down heavily on those not wearing helmets as part of safety. “We will impose a fine and also have compulsory remedial classes to the violators,” he said.
The State traffic police have already commenced extensive drive along city roads and highways creating awareness amongst riders and drivers on the need for wearing helmet and seat belts.
