PANAJI
The talukas of Sattari, Sanguem and Pernem will be the least affected by the latest Supreme Court order not to renew licences of liquor shops along the national and State highways even as the latest figures of the taluka-wise break-up have emerged.
While Salcete and Mormugao continue to be the most affected talukas with 645 and 474 establishments identified respectively, Ponda comes in close third with 425 establishments making up the total 3140 scheduled to come within the ambit of the Supreme Court’s order.
Sources in the government have revealed that while the taluka-wise figures were important, the bigger question will be on the type of establishments that make up the figure.
“We are more concerned with, how many taverns, how many bars and restaurants, retailers and wholesalers make up that list as that will give us a clear picture,” a source familiar with the matter but not authorized to speak, said.
Sattari will have 88 establishments affected while Sanguem will have 128 and Pernem will have 140 that come along the national and state highways.
Other talukas to be significantly affected by the Supreme Court’s order include Bardez with 391 scheduled to be affected, Tiswadi with 286, Bicholim with 206, Quepem with 185 and Canacona with 171.The total licences to be affected makes up 28% of the total licences issued by the State government as on date.
Those figures are expected to be available next week.
Once the breakup of the liquor licences by type is available, the picture of the number of liquor retail and wholesale shops most likely to be affected will become clear. If the opinion of the Attorney General as well as that of State Advocate General, that SC order is only for liquor shops and not bars and restaurants, is correct the number of establishments to be affected will further change.
