the goan I network
CANACONA
Gopika Wines, situated opposite the old bus stand at Chaudi, was a favourite spot for many locals and highway motorists to purchase liquor at wholesale rates.
Shankar Naik and his brother Ramkrishna, who had been running the family trade, was bitter about the Supreme Court order.
“The supreme court should have been more considerate in its decision to ban liquor sale across highways. Except for the apex court, no one else sincerely believes that closing down roadside bars will prevent road accidents by drunken drivers,” said Shankar.
“But the court has certainly thrown thousands of people like me out of business, which helped us earn our livelihood,” he added.
Shankar and Ramkrishna have kept some coconuts for sale outside their closed liquor shop and both their sons have been stationed there to sell the coconuts.
The boys have been seen mostly in the evenings, ever since liquors outlets in Canacona along the highway were closed down on April 1.
Added Ramkrishna: “The Supreme Court order, like many others, has left us penniless and we have been forced to take this measure.”
The brothers hope that the money earned by selling coconuts would be enough to purchase school books, bags and pay school fees for the next academic year.
