Rampant violations by certain wine store wholesalers in Fatorda and other parts of Goa have drawn sharp criticism from the hospitality sector, with business owners warning that unchecked malpractices are threatening the survival of legitimate establishments.
The Indian Tigers Organisation, representing affected stakeholders, has submitted a formal complaint to the Excise Department seeking immediate intervention.
Rahul Shanbhag, a representative of the organisation, highlighted three major violations: illegal sale of country and local liquor, unauthorised public consumption of alcohol outside wine shops, and unfair competition to licensed bars and restaurants.
“Many wine store wholesalers are illegally selling country or local liquor, which they are not licensed to sell,” Shanbhag said. “This directly violates excise norms and gives these outlets an unfair advantage over compliant businesses.”
Equally concerning, according to the complaint, is the growing trend of public alcohol consumption outside these wine shops. Customers are often seen loitering around the premises and drinking in open spaces, turning these areas into informal and unregulated drinking spots. Residents have raised concerns about rising public nuisance, especially in residential areas and near markets.
“Bars and restaurants follow strict regulations, pay higher fees, and invest in staff, infrastructure, and customer experience,” Shanbhag noted. “Yet, we are losing customers because people are opting to drink at these wine shops where rules are openly flouted and costs are lower. This is not competition—it is exploitation of regulatory loopholes.”
The Indian Tigers Organisation warned that if such practices are allowed to continue, many law-abiding businesses may be forced to shut down, leading to job losses and economic distress in the hospitality sector.
In their letter to the Excise Inspector, the group has urged authorities to carry out surprise inspections, enforce licensing conditions strictly, and penalize violators to restore a level playing field.
“We are not asking for favors,” Shanbhag said. “We are demanding enforcement of the law to protect legal businesses and public order.”
Authorities have yet to issue an official response, but affected businesses say they will continue to raise the issue until action is taken.