the goan I network
MARGAO
The meet was attended by members, office bearers of the Goa Liquor Traders Association (GLTA), Bar & Restaurants Association and Hotels & Restaurants Association, besides the affected parties.
Briefing mediapersons after the conclusion of the meet in Margao, president of Goa Liquor Traders Assocotiation (GLTA), Dattaprasad Naik, said they will embark on a drive to enlist the affected parties due to this order. Towards this measure, Naik said they will hold such meetings in all talukas of Goa to ascertain the affected lot of liquor traders.
Thereafter, on March 11, the Association will approach the new government and prevail upon the new dispensation in power to approach the apex court to seek review of the order. Naik claimed that the Association will also not hesitate to approach the apex court on its own in case the need so arises, based upon the response of the new government.
He also did not rule out the option of blocking the national and state highways by affected parties under the banner of the Association, while terming this measure as the last option.
Naik also informed that Congress, BJP and Goa Forward have pledged support to their Association. He also expressed his concern over the “haste” of Excise Commissioner as regards implementation of the SC order, while claiming that this only creates “panic” among the affected parties. He demanded that the Excise Commissioner “go slow” on the implementation of the SC order till March 31 after which the liquor licences will come up for renewal.
Earlier, the legal counsel of the affected parties, Adv Amit Palyekar, urged the Association to approach the government and urge the latter to in turn approach the SC seeking review of the order for the State of Goa. He also urged the Association to prevail upon the government to issue an ordinance in this matter. He also felt there is ambiguity in interpretation of the SC order by the authorities in Goa.
The Bar and Restaurants Association was represented by its president Michael Carassco where members of the Hotels & Restaurants Association were also present.
