Team Herald
PORVORIM: With the Supreme Court banning the sale of liquor along the highways, the Goa Government will suffer a revenue loss of almost Rs 700 lakh. A total of 2443 licences for retail sale of liquor in the State have not been renewed since April 1.
Stating that the Government has initiated the process to file review petition before the Apex Court seeking specific relief to Goa, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told House that instructions are issued granting a period of three years to the affected licensees to shift their premises.
In a written reply tabled before the State Legislative Assembly, CM said, “The expected loss on non-collection towards renewal of licence fees is estimated at Rs 200 lakh, while VAT on retail sale of liquor for consumption is expected to be Rs 500 lakh.”
“At this stage, the revenue loss to individual licensees and their support staff is not readily available,” he said.
He was responding to a question tabled by Leader of Opposition, Chandrakant Kavalekar, who sought details of the liquor ban effect on all national and state highways in the State.
CM said pursuant to the directions of the SC vide judgment dated December 15, 2016, a total of 2443 licences for retail sale of liquor have not been renewed.
Replying to a supplementary question tabled by Kavalekar, CM said, “No representations have been received requesting monetary support on account of non-renewal of excise licence.”
