the goan I network
CANACONA
Canacona’s southern most village Loliem-Polem, which alone has over 70 liquor licensees, is known to its customers from across the border.
According to sources, those visiting the State from across the border for their daily dose of liquor are the most affected rather than those crisscrossing the State in their vehicles. Liquor outlets in Polem, Shellim, Dapot and Maxem region are freqented by customers from neighbouring Karwar district of Karnataka.
For several of these customers, they come, sit, drink, eat and leave, just like any Goan in the bars/taverns situated in the neighbourhood.
On an average, 70-75 vehicles used to enter the State through Polem border in a day (afternoon and night) only to visit the bars and restaurants operating in these areas.
“Since the closure of liquor outlets on April 1, none of the restaurants receive these customers like before. The visits of these customers have dropped drastcally, as we serve only food and no drinks,” informed a owner, who owns two highway bars and restaurants between Dapot and Polem.
Customers coming from across the border for special drinking sessions have now shifted their attention to nearby Polem beach.
Polem, which has a secluded beach spot with a few restaurants, has suddenly became a hotspot for outstation visitors, but at an extra cost.
According to sources, with no highway restaurants serving liquor from Saturday, a number of people from Karwar district have begun to drive to Polem area.
Sources further informed that the liquor rates have also shot up with a pint of beer bottle sold as high as Rs 100.
