Liquor traders in Goa have threatened to down shutters if the Goa government does not review its 2013 directive to close liquor stores at 9 p.m.
Speaking to reporters on Friday after submitting a memorandum to the state excise commissioner here, Dattaprasad Naik, president of the Goa Liquor Traders Association, accused the excise officials of harassing tourists.
He alleged the tourists were being raided constantly.
"With stores closing at 9 p.m. instead of 11 p.m., there is a great deal of hardship for Goan customers as well as tourists. Liquor consumers are forced to patronise more expensive bars and shell out more money for liquor," Naik said.
The association, he said, gave the state government a month's time to resolve the issue, failing which they would have to shut down liquor stores in the state.
In 2013, the Goa government had banned drinking in open places and selling liquor in retail stores after 9 p.m. instead of the previous timing of 11 p.m., stating that drinking in the open caused law and order issues.
Naik, who claimed closing the liquor stores two hours earlier had not deterred drinking in public places, said the closure of stores at 9 p.m. was making it virtually impossible to obtain liquor in a state known for its parties and an otherwise relaxed and cheaper liquor regime over the decades.
"As far as we know drinking has not come down in public... Goa is known for partying, liquor is served even at parties at home. The early hour ban is creating a problem as far as sourcing of liquor is concerned," he said.
"Excise officials are also harassing and asking for bribes from tourists who carry liquor bottles with official government-issued permits. We have complained about this in our memorandum too," Naik said.
State Excise Commissioner Menino D'Souza, who interacted with the association's members told IANS, said: "We will have a follow-up meeting with a delegation of their leaders soon.
"As far as the timings are concerned, we are only implementing government policy," he added.
Goa is one of the top beach and nightlife tourism states in the country and attracts over three million tourists annually. Along with its beaches, heritage, nightlife and parties, cheap liquor is also a big draw for tourists visiting the state.
