VASCO
Addressing liquor vendors from Mormugao, AGHALV president Dattaprasad Naik said there are about 4,000 bar owners and their family members, staff members and other dependents are surviving solely on the trade.
“If the ban is implemented, there would be a cascading effect on everyone and the ban will also have an impact on the tourism industry. All political parties have assured us of their support and we are only waiting for March 11 and for the new government to be formed so that it can appeal on our behalf in the Supreme Court,” said Naik. “We will also meet the Advocate General and the Chief Secretary and place our problems and request them to take a humane view about the business,” he added.
Naik has requested liquor traders from the coastal belt to support them and added that if the ban is implemented for liquor traders within the jurisdiction of 500 metres of the national highways in coming days, then it will also be implemented to liquor traders along the coast citing CRZ rules.
Naik said the association will observe a total dry day in coming days to press their demands, failing which they will be forced to come on the streets along with their families and staff. “The ban will encourage illegal sale of liquor, which will include even spurious alcohol and then there will be no control,” said Naik.
“Do not get panicky, we will find out some solution to protect our businesses. Next, you will get a showcause notice. Accept it and send us a copy, so that we can place it before our lawyer to file the necessary reply,” added Naik.
Mormugao Municipal Council chairperson Deepak Naik, who also owns a bar, said he has attended the meeting as he is also an affected person.
“It’s a tradition and culture in Goa which has been going even during the Portuguese rule and that Goans are known for their ‘soro’ and ‘pao’,”
said Naik.
