MAPUSA
The issue surrounding the early closure of beach shacks in Goa has been amicably resolved, allowing operators to remain open until 1 am, provided they adhere to self-discipline and ensure a safe environment for tourists.
The Goa Police had previously directed shacks, especially along the Calangute coast, to shut by 11 pm following incidents of violence against tourists along the Calangute beach belt.
However, after a meeting between top police officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP), Inspector General of Police (IGP) and representatives of the shack owners, the order was reconsidered.
General Secretary of the Shack Owners’ Welfare Society, John Lobo expressed relief at the resolution.
“The problem of shutting our shacks early has been resolved. We can operate till 1 am, provided we maintain discipline,” he said, adding that the police have urged operators to ensure self-discipline to prevent unsavoury incidents that could tarnish the state’s tourism reputation.
The call for early closure arose after two violent incidents involving tourists.
In one case, a tourist from Andhra Pradesh was killed, and in another, a group of tourists was reportedly attacked by security guards and shack staff.
Some shack operators criticised the police’s earlier directive, calling it a “knee-jerk” reaction.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one operator alleged that illegal activities on the beach were being ignored due to police complicity.
“The police should focus on controlling unauthorised activities like vendors and touts rather than targeting shack operators,” he said.
In a parallel development, the Goa Tourism Department convened a meeting with stakeholders, including shack operators, lifeguards and water sports operators, to discuss measures to improve tourism safety and address operational challenges.
The Goa Police emphasised the importance of collective efforts to maintain discipline and ensure a positive experience for tourists, urging all stakeholders to work together to uphold the State’s image as a premier travel destination.
