TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The state tourism industry has now demaded that the relaxation of closing time for establishments selling liquor be extended to February 21 in view of the four-day carnival festival that starts February 18.
Addressing a press conference, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Narayan Navti confirmed about the recommendation by Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) through Department of Tourism over extending of relaxation. He however said that CEO is yet to take any decision in this regard.
The tourism industry in their petition has feared ‘losing out on a huge number of sales’ during the festive period.
Earlier, last Saturday, bowing to pressure from the tourism industry and other stakeholders, election authorities had relaxed the closing time for establishments selling liquor by 10 days, ie till February 16, instead of February 6 which had been fixed earlier. The CEO has also freed eateries from the restriction altogether. However, they have maintained that from February 17 ‘till the completion of the election process’ the ban on the sale and consumption of liquor will be enforced at 10 pm.
Navti said that coastal police are being deployed to keep tight vigil over the bars and restaurants noting that they ensure the guidelines.
Responding to yet another complaint filed by one Vinayak Naik from Vasco stating that elected members are been nominated on carnival celebration committees, Navti said that reply has already been sought from director of tourism Swapnil Naik.
“Naik in his reply has said that none of the elected members would be made part of carnival committee,” Navti informed.
