PANAJI
The orders come as the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa petitioned the Election Commission that the ban was adversely affecting tourism.
“The district collectors had issued orders to shut bars at 11 pm during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). We received requests from TTAG and other organisations to clarify. Yesterday, the collectors issued a clarification that the restriction is limited only to the bar, not to eateries and restaurants,” Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said.
“Those with bars attached have to shut the bar but the restaurant can be open. We are getting information that to dilute this issue, many places are taking advance orders but we wish to clarify that closed means closed bar. After 11, no alcohol should be served whether it was ordered in advance or not. Keeping in view the demands of the tourism industry in the state, we have kept this provision open but should not be violated in any way,” Kunal said.
The TTAG welcomed the decision of the election authorities.
TTAG President, Savio Messias had made a representation to the Chief Election Officer Kunal, requesting that the 11 pm closing time for restaurants be extended as this would affect and cause a lot of inconvenience to tourist arriving by late night flights/charters.
