Govt sends directions to excise officials to demarcate 220 metres distance
the goan I network
PANAJI
Earlier in the week, Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, had also said that liquor licenses of those falling outside 220 meters would be renewed.
Parrikar’s statement came after the Supreme Court March 31 clarification, wherein it had stayed its ban on the sale of alcohol along highways and within 500 meters distance on bars, restaurants and liquor shops. But, the court had given a relief for local bodies with 20,000 or less population saying that in such areas the limit of 500 meters distance from highways should be reduced to 220 meters.
Liquor trade in the State had expressed disappointment with SC’s clarification, as they were expecting that the ban wouldn’t be applicable to bars and restaurants. While the ban will continue, the fact that approximately 1,000 licenses are set to get renewed due to state government’s order should bring some relief to the trade.
Sources also informed that by the end of April 7 directions will be issued to excise officials on ground to cross-check the population data with panchayats and start renewing those licenses, which are falling beyond 220 meters.
As per SC’s December 2016 judgement, 3,178 alcohol outlets in Goa were supposed get shut because they were falling within 500 meters distance from highways. Now that 1,000 liquor licenses are set to get renewed, the number of licenses to get affected due to SC’s judgement stands at 2,178.
