Team Herald
PANJIM: As complete lockdown is set to defer certain services, the Excise Department has extended the renewal period of licences by two months till May 31, 2020 as against the existing annual deadline of March 31.
Commissioner of Excise Amit Satija has said that the circular is to prevent mass gathering in the wake of COVID-19 scare.
In a circular issued on March 24, he said, “It is informed to all the concerned Excise Inspector in-charge of talukas that no renewals of licences to be undertaken for the next 10 days from today (March 24) in order to avoid the spreading of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Government has extended the date of renewal of licences till May 31, 2020 in the interest of Public health and safety.”
Herald spoke to the Commissioner about the development. He informed that the department receives over 10,000 licences for renewal every year with majority from Bardez and Salcette talukas.
He also revealed that the department is working with skeletal staff considering the prevailing situation in the country.
“We are operating with few staff. Our team members are also deployed at the check-posts maintaining a vigil,” he added.
The Goa Liquor Traders Association has hailed the government decision.
