State tweaks law for liquor licences

Beach shacks can now take these for five tourism seasons

THE GOAN NETWORK | JUNE 15, 2021, 12:42 AM IST

PANAJI
In a significant reform, the Goa government has tweaked the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964 rules in early June and made liquor licences for private and tourism department allotted beach shacks of durations which could stretch for up to five tourism seasons.

Under Secretary, Finance, Pranab G Bhat, issued the amendment which says seasonal liquor licences for retail sale as well as consumption on premises of the beach shacks may be granted by the Excise Inspector for up to five tourist seasons.

Tourism seasons are between October and May of the following year and the shacks will need to have all the statutory permissions/approvals from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), the Tourism Department and the local self-government authority.

The reform will now do away with the formality of applying and securing seasonal liquor licences every season for these shack owners.

Meanwhile, another excise rule amendment restricts eligibility for licences for sale of wholesale or retail quantities of rectified spirit or absolute alcohol, used in industries, only to chemists and druggists or registered public undertakings. 


Share this