PANJIM: Though it’s the peak tourism season in Goa, beaches along the coastline, including major party destinations, shacks and pubs which used to remain overcrowded are facing a drought due to restrictions imposed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the view of Assembly elections in the State.
Restaurants owners and other major stake holders of the tourism industry expressed dissatisfaction as the restrictions issued by the authorities have coincided with the peak tourism season.
“This is the peak tourist season and elections have been scheduled at the same time. We have to keep our bar closed as it falls in the 200 metre radius of the polling station and according to the law, outlets should be closed till Feb 5. Due to this we have lost three days of business,” said a bar owner from Panjim.
Herald spoke to some tourists at Miramar beach who said that they made the wrong choice of visiting Goa during the election period as major party hubs and liquor outlets are shut down due to the orders of the election authorities.
“I come from Kathmandu, and this the first time I have come down to Goa. I was totally unaware of the situation here. I, along with my friends, had planned a lot of things like visiting pubs, lounges and clubs we had seen on the net but due to the election restrictions here we now have a limited choice,” said Munish Sapkota, a tourist from Nepal.
Another tourist from Lucknow, Nitish Singh said, “I was sitting in a public place in Anjuna and was consuming alcohol and suddenly cops came and said that we have to clear the place as it was not allowed. Even in the restaurant they stop serving by 10.45 pm we had to round up things faster in the evenings to make it to the restaurants on time.”
Tourists in Goa to enjoy the beaches are having their meals and drinks served in their hotel rooms instead of lazing on the beaches and eating in the shacks.
“For me liquor is not everything and my main intention of coming here is for the serene beauty. A state like Goa has much more to offer then just liquor,” said Snehangshu Das, a tourist from Balasore, Orissa
Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), President Savio Messais said, “Tourists are very disappointed and very uncomfortable in Goa. Those coming for the weekends and to have a great vacation are terribly upset. We have received numerous complaints of police forcibly shutting down restaurants while guests are eating, it’s disgusting.”
But not all restaurateurs have complaints. A restaurant owner from Panjim said, “My restaurant doesn’t fall in the 200 metre radius and thus my business has not been affected as I can serve food.”
The notice released by the EC states that all licensed premises for the sale of liquor be closed from 5pm on February 2, till 12am on February 5. Similarly all licensed liquor premises have also been ordered to remain closed on the day of counting, March 11.”
The notice further states, “Premises with a bar and restaurant license may be allowed to keep the restaurant open to serve food only, while the bar counter will remain shut. No liquor will be allowed to be served on the above mentioned days.”
