Team Herald
PANJIM: Amidst the ongoing debate banning the sale of liquor on the national and State highways, the Excise Department has begun the process of renewing liquor licences barring around 3,127 outlets coming under the purview of the Supreme Court (SC) order.
Sources in the department said they have received thousands of applications from several retail, wholesale and bar & restaurant owners for renewal of licences. However, those structures located within 500 metres of the highways are kept on hold.
“We have been receiving applications for renewing liquor licences for the coming financial year. It would be granted or rejected after a routine inspection by our field officers. But those outlets located within 500 metres of the highways are not being considered at the moment,” an officer told Herald.
Of the 3,127 liquor outlets identified, around 2,775 premises across the State fall under the ambit of the SC order that strictly bans alcohol sale within 500 metres of the national and State highways from April 1, 2017. The liquor traders have been insisting that new State government challenge the order in a bid to save thousands of locals from losing their only source of livelihood. Even as Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi’s statement clarified that bars & restaurants are exempted from highway liquor ban, the traders are awaiting a written communiqué to decide the future course of action. The Goa Highway Affected Liquor Vendors Association has decided pursue the matter with the government to ensure local businesses are not affected.
As per the survey reports of the taluka-level teams, Salcete has the maximum 627 licences followed by 470 in Mormugao and Bardez recording a total of 429 retail and wholesale liquor outlets, and bars. The department is expected to start issuing show cause notices to the concerned owners before the weekend.
