PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said that drinking in public places would be a cognizable offence from February, this year.
"Within the coming month, drinking liquor in public places will be made a cognizable offence. We are already working on the draft of rules and regulations. May be by the end of this month or February, this will come into force. After that if anyone is seen drinking, strict action would be taken," he said.
Stating that people who drink in public places do not even lift their bottles, he said, "From one place in Panaji we have lifted almost 300 liquor bottles. Those littering these liquor bottles have to be disciplined. Littering will not be permitted. You can enjoy Goa, but don't litter. This message has to be clear to Goans as well as tourists."
He also informed that police and officials of excise department, among others will be empowered to keep a check on those found littering in public places.
"We are working on how to ensure that the common citizen does not suffer out of it. So we have come to a conclusion that unless a licence is issued for drinking in public place where people have access to, no drinking will be permitted," he said.
