PANAJI
With the State government mulling an extension of the music deadline to 1 am, the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has urged for safeguards to prevent inconvenience to residents, while welcoming the move as a step towards supporting the tourism industry.
“Indoor spaces with proper permissions and soundproofing of the venue should be allowed till whatever time within the ambit of the law. This will not affect residential premises and people who reside near such venues,” TTAG President Jack Sukhija said.
He further stated that outdoor spaces should only be extended till 11pm, from the existing time of 10pm, within the permissible decibel levels as prescribed by the law. He explained that extending beyond 11pm will affect residential premises and people who live near such venues.
“Areas in Anjuna, Vagator and other places, where there are constant complaints which have been taken to court, should be strictly adhered to, as people residing nearby are clearly getting affected,” Sukhija said reminding the government has on multiple occasions made representations to the State regarding sound extension for up to 11 pm and excise extension for upto midnight for all spaces with relevant permissions.
“This will help the events, restaurants, shacks, and outdoor-indoor venues while also taking into consideration the issues faced by nearby residential areas,” he said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday assured the Legislative Assembly that they are considering approaching the Supreme Court with a review petition to seek relaxation of the 10 pm restriction on playing music, particularly for beach shacks, restaurants, and outdoor wedding venues.
Meanwhile, on Sunburn, the TTAG said the event’s fate is often left undecided till the final month while also acknowledging the boost it gives local businesses.
“This matter of Sunburn comes up every year, where the government has not given a clear stance till the last month, thereby leaving the organisers and ticket holders in limbo. While it does benefit local businesses of Goa, it also creates a lot of congestion in a particular area, which leads to locals residing in the area having to face hardships,” Sukhija said.
