PANJIM: While the fate of over 3000 liquor licence holders hangs in the balance considering that the Supreme Court order banning alcohol outlets along highways will be enforced 16 days from now, the Excise Department is yet to commence issuing show cause notices to the traders.
Sources said the department has not received the survey reports from a few taluka-level teams, bringing the entire exercise to a standstill. “We have data from all the taluka teams but official submission of reports from a few is awaited. Once we are in receipt of all reports, issuance of show cause notices will follow. Meanwhile, other related work is on,” an officer told Herald. It is, however, learnt that the department is also waiting for the formation of the new government as liquor traders had announced they will ask the latter to challenge the order.
Meanwhile, department officials have begun the process of renewing liquor licenses barring the outlets coming under the ambit of the apex court. Around 3127 liquor licences, identified at around 2775 premises across the State come under the ambit of the SC order. Liquor traders have been insisting that the new government should challenge the order in a bid to save thousands of locals from losing their only source of livelihood.
