Under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), dry days are announced when Panchayat, Zilla Parishad (ZP), State assembly and general elections are to be held. Selling and serving liquor are barred a day prior to voting, on voting day and on the counting day. In Goa, dry days are on December 19, 20 and 22 due to ZP election on December 20. Being a peak tourist season, the visitors are going to be in for shock and may pay double the price if they are able to lay their hands on cans and bottles. How will the authorities ensure that liquor are not sold at premium prices in hotel rooms, bars and shops located in remote places and in homestays? The MCC could do away with dry days as this would boost the economy for governments. People would drink responsibly and not shore up their stocks. It would also stop people from paying through their noses on dry days, unless that is the motto of some vested politicians. Dry days and prohibitions help moonshiners, black sheep in law enforcement agencies and political parties, carriers, and others who will make a windfall.
