A visitor to Margao may find it difficult to find a stall open and serving tea in the wee hours between 4 am to 5 am. But, be assured that one would unfailingly find a tavern or a bar open at around that time on the station road – thanks to the indifference of the Margao police and excise officials.
There are a couple of taverns and bars that open their shutters in the wee hours of the morning mostly catering to the needs of the loaders and porters who eke out a living by carrying goods in the fruit and vegetable markets.
While many say that bars remain open on the station road late into the night, questions are being raised as to how the bars are allowed to open their shutters at around 5 am almost every day.
Freedom Fighter Gurunath Kelekar, who stays at Malbhat, says that the couple of bars which open their shutters in the wee hours have ruined the lives of the porters and loaders who have come to Margao to earn their living.
“I am sure that these outlets have no licence to remain open in the early morning. It is indeed surprising that the concerned authorities have preferred to turn a blind eye to the activity,” Kelekar said.
