PANJIM: The All Goa Bar & Restaurant Owners’ Association has urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to roll back the hike in liquor prices.
A delegation led by Minister Michael Lobo and association president Michael Carrasco claimed that various hikes might lead to a drop in liquor sales in the State, a business which has been the livelihood of several Goans.
“We are deeply concerned to continue the business due to the recent budget proposal for the Excise Department. Bar & Restaurants are the only business run by Goans, therefore it has to be protected,” a two-page memorandum to the CM states. “We request you to withdraw the policy of charging license fees as per area of service and also review the proposed hike in prices of liquor, as they are not reasonable,” it further said.
Lobo, speaking to the media after the meeting, said the fraternity supports a nominal hike every year but the proposed hike will impact the liquor industry hard.
“We have requested the CM to not impose area-wise increase in fees. It will send a wrong signal. We have already seen a drop in foreign arrivals in the last 2-3 years and this move will further dampen the business. On the other hand, Indian tourists prefer buying from the wholesale shop, which also affects the business of the bars and restaurants,” he said.
The minister has demanded that instead action should be taken against tourists drinking in public and creating a menace, rather than “penalising the bar and restaurant owners”.
“He (CM) has understood our grievance and he has told us that whatever needs to be done will be carried out after the code of conduct,” Lobo added.
Last month, the Goa Liquor Traders Association had made a similar request to the CM explaining that hike in duty will further increase prices of alcohol in Goa, and this will in turn affect the sale. The CM had then directed the department to reconsider the proposed excise tax hike, even as the final decision remains pending.
Meanwhile, the Bar & Restaurant Association has expressed disappointment over the annual increase in fees besides fees charged as per area of service. It has suggested that the government tighten the law and loopholes in the liquor trade, in order to increase the revenue to the State exchequer. “Illegal sale of liquor by hawkers, fast food operators, local houses and road side kiosks have to be stopped with immediate effect. Simplifications of rules for renewal of license has to be done, police clearance should be done away with and all other compliance should come under one window,” Carrasco added.
The association chief also sought that the government rethink on restrictions of the sale of liquor at wine stores up to and beyond 9 pm. “Serving refrigerated drinks like beer, cold drinks and others should be stopped as this can lead to downfall of sales at restaurants. It also amounts to littering of the place by tourists,” he stated.
