It is a cheerful news for tipplers who fly that the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964 has been amended to permit 24 hours sale of liquour at Goa’s airports. This is in line with that followed globally at international airports. Now fliers from Dabolim and Mopa can down a peg or more and get high to remove their fear of flying. The Airports Authority of India needs to address certain concerns related to liquor outlets at international terminals. Firstly, there have been incidents of passengers who were unruly after being drunk. Hence, will the passengers be checked with an alcohol meter if their alcohol content is within permissible limits? Secondly, will liquor outlets at the airports close when Panchayat elections are held and during Assembly and General elections? Thirdly, is sale of liquor at the airports prohibited every year on October 2? This is a ‘dry day’ in India on account of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday and even the ‘offshore’ casinos in Goa follow this rule. If there are exceptions to the above rules for the airports, then there would be no rules and only happy hours.
