TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Excise staff have registered 82 offences in the crackdown on illicit liquor during campaigning in the run up to the otherwise peaceful Lok Sabha electioneering, with less than a week to go for the April 12 polls in Goa.
The excise seized 2,400 bulk litres illicit liquor costing Rs 2.65 lakh, from both the parliamentary constituencies from March 5 when the election Model Code of Conduct was enforced till April 4.
A senior officer informed that the department has registered 82 different offences under the Excise Act during this period. In some cases, liquor bottles were found abandoned.
The daily sales and stocks position of over 10,000 liquor shops is already being monitored wherein the sales and stock figures of the retail shops with those of previous months are being compared.
Twelve flying squads headed by inspectors – 11 at each taluka and one stationed at headquarters in Panjim are ensuring the code of conduct is not violated. Another 12 teams have been kept as a stand-by in case of emergencies.
With Goa sharing its borders with Maharashtra and Karnataka, the six excise check-posts at Mollem, Pollem, Patradevi, Dodamarg, Kerim and Naibag, have also been strengthened wherein 21 officials including three excise sub inspectors have been posted on duty.
The excise officials are also keeping a check on the liquor sale in the off-shore casinos where it has been restricted till 11pm. The North Goa District Magistrate has ordered shutting down of all liquor bars, shops, pubs, shacks, clubs, provision stores or any establishment serving or selling liquor by 11pm.
Officials said liquor vendors selling in pegs will have to shell out Rs 50,000 as additional fees besides the regular fees for keeping it open till 1 am. In areas, which do not fall under Corporation of City of Panjim, Mapusa, Ponda, Margao and Mormugao municipalities including the coastal belt will be allowed extended timings up to 1 am provided an additional payment of the total regular licence fee is paid. Liquor selling outlets in the five towns will be allowed to be open till 4 am provided an additional payment of Rs 2 lakh, in addition to the regular licence fee, is paid.
