Team Herald
PONDA: Liquor serving and selling outlets in Ponda taluka that are affected by the Supreme Court liquor ban are patiently waiting for the new government to take oath so that they can present their grievances before it.
There are 803 outlets in Ponda taluka that either serve or sell liquor; and of these, 670 outlets are within 500 meters of state or national highway. The owners of these 670 outlets say their livelihood has been affected by Supreme Court ban, as such they want the government to get relaxation from ban.
Ponda Bar, Restaurant and Tavern Owners Association President Peter Fernandes said that around 675 bars, restaurants and taverns would be affected on March 31, since licences of existing outlets will not be renewed after March 31 as per Supreme Court order.
“We are worried about it and don’t know what to do now. Our families are dependent on our business. Since there is no popular government now, we are waiting for the formation of a new government and hopeful of some relief or solution to continue with our business,” he said.
Recently, the Supreme Court banned liquor outlets within 500 metres of national and state highways across the country, a move aimed at preventing drunk driving and road accidents that claim thousands of lives every year.
