PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is optimistic of being able to resolve the much-debated order of the Supreme Court (SC) banning the sale of liquor along highways. He has convened a meeting of a huge team concerned with the issue after the vote of confidence on Thursday.
“I always attempt to find a solution to issues. I believe there is a solution for every issue possibly within the framework of the law and the SC order. On the liquor ban order, I have convened a meeting of all the concerned officials, legal authorities and others after the vote of confidence,” he told media persons on the sidelines of the swearing-in of Panjim MLA Siddharth Kunkalienkar as the Protem Speaker on Wednesday.
The Supreme Court has given states up to March 31 to close all alcohol vends within 500 mtrs of National and State highways. Parrikar, who earlier held the Excise portfolio said, “Nothing is final. We are looking into the aspect of it, and will decide.”
Liquor traders have high hopes that the CM will resolve the issue particularly because it concerns the livelihood of several thousands of persons. The Goa Highway Affected Liquor Association has already announced that the new government should either challenge the order or file a review plea.
If the order is enforced, it will come as a double whammy for the State. While the liquor outlets will have to struggle to eke out a living, the State Excise Department will also see a slump in its revenue collection. The department has already completed its survey identifying the retail and wholesale liquor licenses, and bars located on the highways.Meanwhile, Excise Department on Wednesday submitted the data of bars and liquor shops along highways to the government. As many as 3270 bars and liquor shops have been identified located within 500 mtrs of thr highways. “We are expecting a decision from the new government with regards to the SC order after our meeting with the CM,” an official said.
