Olencio Simoes has demanded immediate withdrawal of the Excise Department notification on change of rules regarding permissions to ban on sale of liquor within 100 meters of education and religious places. The notification dated June 25, 2024 had evoked the ire of various concerned citizens of the State.
Simoes who is a teacher by profession has demanded stricter amendments to arrest/control high alcohol intake among
Goans, especially among youth.
Simoes stated that the recent incident in Cortalim constituency is an eye-opener to the
government, it is sad to know that even after the Excise rules ban the
sale of alcohol within 100 meters there still are illegal stores which are
mushrooming within 100 meters of education and religious places, it is
unfortunate that the excise department has given a blind eye to such
illegalities.
It has been
reported that more than 300 cases of alcohol-related deaths are registered in GMC
itself which is more than road accidents in the State of Goa.
Simoēs stated that in the name of tourism is the Government of Goa destroying the future of Youth
over revenue. He further added that instead
of Excise department stopping the illegal sale of alcohol within 100 meters new permissions within 100meters of education & religious
institutes are being issued which is not only an insult to religious institutes but is an act of
criminal negligence, as this will destroy the social and cultural fabric of
Goa, as alcohol today will be available within 100 mts of education institutes
and religious places which will lead to more crimes against women in the state of
Goa.
“Therefore we demand that this notification be withdrawn with immediate effect and the government should work towards saving the lives of all
alcoholics and bringing stricter measures for the sale of alcohol in the state
of Goa especially in such gullible areas” he said.
