the goan I network
PORVORM
It appears that they were not made aware of a government notification six months ago stating that liquor traders need a police clearance certificate for renewal of licence.
The Excise Department in respective talukas were renewing the liquor licences on payment of licence fees. But now, the department has made it mandatory for liquor licensees to obtain police clearance from their respective police stations. Hence, a huge rush is being witnessed at Porvorim police station every day for obtaining police clearance.
Speaking to The Goan, some liquor licence holders on condition of anonymity informed the Excise Department at Mapusa had not informed them as to what documents were needed to obtain police clearance.
“When we approached the Porvorim police station, we were advised to get three photographs, two copies each of the liquor licence, Aadhar card and election card or any proof of residence. After submitting all the documents, they collected fees of Rs 200 to issue the police clearance,” said a liquor licence holder.
They further said that they were told that Porvorim police station will send wireless messages to all the police stations in Goa to ascertain that no criminal case is pending against the licence holders, and once confirmation is received from all the police stations, the clearance will be issued by the Deputy Superintendent of Police within seven days.
“This is nothing but harassment for liquor vendors and bar owners. The last date for payment of licence fees is March 31. If there is any delay in getting police clearance, then liquor licence holders will be forced to pay late fees to the Excise Department for no fault of ours,” added the liquor licence holder.
“Hence, in the interest of the liquor business community, the Excise Department should discontinue this procedure,” he added.
When contacted, an excise officer, who did not wish to be named, confirmed to The Goan that this policy has been implemented for the first time this year. “It is being implemented following a government notification six months ago stating that liquor traders need a police clearance certificate for renewal of licence,” the excise officer said.
When contacted, Superintendent of Police (North) Karthik Kashyap told The Goan that the police clearance certificates to liquor traders was not a new development.
“As per my knowledge, the entire exercise of issuing police clearance to liquor traders has been underway for over a year now. It was probably put on hold due to the model code of conduct,” said SP Kashyap.
