Liquor outlets to close by 11 pm in Poll-bound Goa

PANAJI: The administration has ordered that all liquor shops, bars, restaurants, pubs, food joints, shacks in Goa will close by 11 pm in view of next month’s elections.

“All the liquor shops, bars, restaurants, pubs, food joints, shacks should be closed everyday by 11 pm from January 6 to February 2,” an order issued yesterday said. Assembly elections would be held in Goa on February 4. If any of these establishments is found to be open beyond 11 pm, its licence will be cancelled and the owner would face action under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code.

The administration has also asked flying squads to keep a strict watch on bars and other places where liquor is sold, as “liquor and food items are usually used by candidates and political parties to lure voters”. The district magistrate and district election officer have issued directions to authorities to keep a watch on the movement of large consignments of liquor.