'Except Panaji, no restrictions on alcohol sale in North Goa'

PANAJI: North Goa Collector R Menaka clarified that the order prohibiting the sale of alcohol in North Goa under the model code of conduct was only till poll day, April 23, and that besides Panaji the rest of the district can serve alcohol as per the deadline stated on their licence. The relaxation to server liquor beyond 11pm and up till 1.30am to five North Goa nightclubs, was only for the weekend preceding the elections , and was given on government recommendation against payment of higher premium, Menaka said

“It was specifically for the three-day long weekend,” she said of the letter dated April 18.

Responding to other clubs crying foul, she said the relaxation was granted based on representations made to the tourism department, which were referred to the collector.

“Since it was a long weekend and the tourist season, few of them made a representation to the government. Five names were recommended by the government to us. These five, who paid higher premium to get the extended license, felt that their business was being hurt because of the order. Since it was recommended to us, we permitted sale of liquor only till 1.30am,” she said.

The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa said that the relaxation should have been granted to other stakeholders as well where weddings, conferences and other events have been booked in advance.

While the model code of conduct continues to remain in force, Menaka clarified that restaurants and pubs in North Goa, except Panaji, can serve liquor till the timing permitted on their licences. “The prohibitory order under Section 144 for North Goa was only till poll day, April 23,” she said.