Team Herald
PANJIM: The North Goa District Magistrate has ordered that serving or selling of liquor in all the liquor bars, pubs, shops, clubs, shacks or any establishment should be closed everyday by 11 pm with immediate effect till the Election Model Code of Conduct is in force.
However, this order shall not apply to those establishments, provision stores etc, which are required by law to be closed before 11 pm.
Only the sale and service of liquor in all liquor bars, shops, pubs, shacks, clubs, provision stores or any establishment in the whole of North Goa District should be stopped everyday by 11 pm till Election Model Code of Conduct is in force. Such establishments can remain open and continue to operate without the sale and service of liquor beyond 11 pm.
The licenced premises having licence for bar and restaurant will be allowed to keep the restaurant open for serving food only and the bar counter shall be closed and no liquor shall be allowed to be served on the above mentioned days.
The owner of the licenced premises having bar and restaurant shall also display a board in the premises stating that no liquor will be served and that only the restaurant is open for serving food.
In addition transportation of liquor from one place to another within the State will also not be permitted during the above mentioned period.
Any violations of the above directions may be reported to the office of the District Election Officer, Panjim.
If any liquor shop/bar, pub or any establishment is found serving liquor beyond the aforesaid timings, during the said period, it shall result in cancellation of licences and the owner or offender shall be liable for penal action under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code 1908, Section 30 of the Excise Duty Act, 1964 and other relevant provisions of laws in force.
