MAPUSA
In a decisive move to address the controversy surrounding the operations of nightclubs in Calangute, Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira declared on Monday that the village panchayat will not allow operation of nightclubs in the beach village.
This decision comes amidst concerns about the negative impact these establishments have had on his reputation.
“Calangute means Joseph Sequeira. My name has been dragged and spoiled in this controversy. I don’t care even if the CM or a ward member requests me to issue a licence to a nightclub, I will not allow it,” Sequeira emphasized.
Highlighting the pressures from senior government officials, Sequeira asserted his commitment to not succumb to such influences. “We also get phone calls from senior government officials to issue licences to so and so people...Henceforward, I am not going to issue such licences. I am very clear on this,” he stated.
Sequeira clarified that he has never issued licences for nightclubs during his tenure, attributing the practice to his predecessors.
He also pointed out the lack of provisions in the Panchayat Act to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to nightclubs.
In a recent crackdown, the panchayat sealed a nightclub last month, discovering around 20 girls inside the premises.
The club, owned by a Delhi-based individual, had been sublet to another operator.
The owner later apologised, claiming ignorance of the activities conducted within the club. “We will issue a licence to him again to conduct any other business but not to operate a club,” Sequeira affirmed.
In preparation for the new tourism season starting in October 2024, Sequeira announced stringent measures to ensure that only tourists with proof of hotel bookings will be allowed entry into the village.
The panchayat also plans to take strict action against spas engaged in illegal operations.
Sequeira referenced a government notification outlining the conditions required to establish a spa.
and stated, “They will have to fulfil all those conditions. Besides, I will also take an affidavit from the doctor who will be available to customers in the spa.”
Sequeira’s actions signal a significant shift in the management of Calangute’s tourism and nightlife, aiming to restore the village’s image and ensure compliance with legal standards.
Sarpanch slams tourists who come in search of ‘ladki’
MAPUSA: Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira has called attention to the activities of tourists in Goa, urging PM Narendra Modi to take note of the behaviour of visitors from other states.
This comes in the wake of an incident where a tourist from Gujarat was fleeced by touts at an illegal nightclub. “The nightclub where the Gujarati tourist was fleeced is illegal, as the panchayat had not issued any licence to it,” Sequeira stated while addressing the media.
He emphasised that the establishment was operating without proper authorisation.
Sequeira did not shy away from criticising the tourists themselves. “Let PM Narendra Modi see what kind of people are coming to Goa and for what reason. They are blaming the café owner, but I also blame these tourists who get cheated. Why did they go in search of ‘ladki’? Don’t they have wives and kids? They come here only for this,” he remarked.
