TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Goa government has decided to amend the Goa Excise Duty Act to prohibit drinking liquor at public places. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the House on Tuesday that government will appoint retired excise officers for drafting the amendment.
Also to ensure no nuisance during the forthcoming St Francis Xavier’s exposition at Old Goa, State government will impose strict restriction on the sale of liquor around the religious precincts.
“I am of the firm opinion that a complete revamp of the existing Excise Act is needed because it does not ban consumption of alcohol on the streets and at public places,” he said.
Responding to a cut motion by Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai, the chief minister said if the liquor shops were located in isolated areas, he wouldn’t have any problems about extension of time. But majority of these, including bars are located in the residential areas and housing societies.
Citing example of the infamous drunk driving accident involving Shobhika Gaur, he said such cases will continue if there is no restriction imposed. “In 2009 or 2010, the past government had granted 24 hour license which was later reduced till 5am. I brought it down to 4 am, with certain restrictions. I am with the women’s organization. My opinion is not to grant license till 4 am,” he said adding, “otherwise there would be accidents and vehicles will hit dividers. There are many poles damaged because of drunk driving. There was a case in Panjim recently.”
The amended Act, he said, will ensure good parking space in the premises of the license holder and drivers. He also spoke about policemen being deployed with alcometers. “There are two reasons deaths have increased –one is because of riders performing bike stunts on one tyre and other is drunk driving,” he added.
To ensure no nuisance during the forthcoming St Francis Xavier’s exposition at Old Goa, State government will impose strict restriction on the sale of liquor around the religious place.
“There will be restriction of liquor in and around the Church area. The restriction is to ensure that pilgrims don’t attend masses drunk. The prohibited area will be decided later,” he said adding that the prohibition would be taken after a discussion with the locals, and not arbitrarily.
Local MLA Pandurang Madkaikar said that since the Exposition would be held over 45 days, such a long ban would affect the business to which Parrikar reiterated that locals would be taken into confidence before taking the decision.
Meanwhile, the Excise department has already begun e-challan system, Parrikar informed adding, e-payment system will be launched shortly. In yet another decision, the chief minister said that from April 1, 2015 onwards excise license will be renewed subject to no objection certificates from commercial and sales tax department.
