PANAJI
Fatorda MLA and Goa Forward Party supremo Vijai Sardesai on Wednesday said a residence certificate of at least 25 years should be made compulsory for wholesalers and distributors in the liquor business to promote Goans in the State.
"Excise rules need to be amended. The TIN and PAN numbers should be made compulsory for those who are in the liquor business. Rules should be made such that wholesalers and distributors should have compulsory 25 years of residence,” said Sardesai in the assembly session.
Claiming that the State has been following an incorrect excise policy, Sardesai added: “The government has increased excise duty on high-end alcohol which has made it more expensive than in other states. This will hamper high-end tourism in the State.”
He also pointed out that many industrialists from other states have been using Goan names to promote their alcohol brands.
Sardesai said the government should promote feni, especially since Goan Feni has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
“If Goa fails to promote Feni, neighbouring states like Karnataka and Maharastra will take the lead in promoting feni,” warned Sardessai.
