Life is not 'dry' in Goa despite polls, EC
The Election Commission’s diktat to regulate the flow of liquor into Goa until the elections are over on June 2, has not left the tourists “dry” as feared.
By TNN |
PANAJI: The Election Commission’s diktat to regulate the flow of liquor into Goa until the elections are over on June 2, has not left the tourists “dry” as feared. For many tourists coming down for a break here, a restriction on sale of liquor is unheard of. But Goa being what it is — a tourist state where drinking is not taboo and the visitors don’t mind going on a binge — the EC’s attempt to control the sale of liquor hasn’t had much of an impact. Shacks are still open and restaurants serve liquor. But only up to 10 pm.
However, the EC’s bid to regulate the flow of liquor into Goa, to ensure “free and fair” elections, has sure brought strict vigil from the excise department. “We noticed an abnormal increase in sale of liquor in April, just as elections were being announced, so we had to step in,” says PS Reddy, the state excise commissioner. The excise department has also come down heavily on import of beer into the state.
The measures taken by the excise department have upset traders and wholesalers, who allege “harassment by the EC”. Many have now shut shops, mainly in the capital Panaji and along the coast. Some have even resorted to an indefinite strike. “Goa is a tourist destination, there has to be some leniency,” they argue.
However, hoteliers, who “always stock enough liquor” are not worried over the clampdown by the excise department and the traders’ stir. “A strike like this does not affect us,” said a bar owner. Agrees Vikram Antao of Intercontinental, Goa: “Some guests do get upset that we can’t serve liquor after ten, but then, they understand. Liquor is available, there is no shortage.”
Liquor is the mainstay of Goa’s tourism and it was feared that a regulation may affect tourist inflow. But that’s not the case, says Fatima de Sa, chairperson of Goa Tourism Development Corporation. “People are aware that when it’s election, there is a regulation on liquor, so they oblige,” she adds.
However, the EC’s bid to regulate the flow of liquor into Goa, to ensure “free and fair” elections, has sure brought strict vigil from the excise department. “We noticed an abnormal increase in sale of liquor in April, just as elections were being announced, so we had to step in,” says PS Reddy, the state excise commissioner. The excise department has also come down heavily on import of beer into the state.
The measures taken by the excise department have upset traders and wholesalers, who allege “harassment by the EC”. Many have now shut shops, mainly in the capital Panaji and along the coast. Some have even resorted to an indefinite strike. “Goa is a tourist destination, there has to be some leniency,” they argue.
However, hoteliers, who “always stock enough liquor” are not worried over the clampdown by the excise department and the traders’ stir. “A strike like this does not affect us,” said a bar owner. Agrees Vikram Antao of Intercontinental, Goa: “Some guests do get upset that we can’t serve liquor after ten, but then, they understand. Liquor is available, there is no shortage.”
Liquor is the mainstay of Goa’s tourism and it was feared that a regulation may affect tourist inflow. But that’s not the case, says Fatima de Sa, chairperson of Goa Tourism Development Corporation. “People are aware that when it’s election, there is a regulation on liquor, so they oblige,” she adds.
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