PANJIM: Apprehensions raised by politicians that the hike in tax on liquor will affect inflow of tourists to Goa has received support from MP Francisco Saldinha’s son Shalom, who has once again been selected as King Momo for the upcoming Carnival festivity.
“The decision to increase tax on liquor including that on Feni will result in hike in price and this will in turn affect our tourism industry,” said Shalom, while speaking to a section of media.
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King Momo will be reading a decree on the first day of Carnival, which starts on February 22, wherein he will ask people to ‘eat, drink and be merry.’ “When we say drink, we mean drink responsibly. Say no to drugs or the events that promote it. There was an EDM festival recently (Sunburn Klassique), where three youth lost their lives. We should discourage such festivals,” he said as he opposed drug-related activities in the State.
Shalom said that the festivals like Carnival, which has local ethos and all the elements including music that is wanted by the youth, should be promoted. “It’s time to show the youth that you can enjoy much ore when you don’t take the drugs,” he said.
Shalom has been selected for the second time, first one being in the year 2016, to head the float parade. The festival will end on February 25.
Minister Michael Lobo has also stated that increase in price of heritage drinks will affect traditional Goans and their businesses which have been running for generations. He has also assured to speak to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to consider reducing tax on wines used for weddings or traditional functions, as well as on local cashew Feni.
