A 1980 rule in Goa did not allow liquor outlets within 100 m from schools, colleges and places of worship. Yet for decades, relaxations were made on case-by-case basis that allowed liquor shops near the above places. Now the Goa Excise department in its wisdom wants to double the licence fees for the liquor outlets and for those who wish to apply for new ones after vetting by the government. This is to seemingly discourage alcohol retailers, help boost tourism and add finance to the government’s treasury. A question: would the licence fees be double for outlets that existed prior to 1980 and when there were no educational institutions or places of worship within 100 m nearby? The Chief Minister states that he is yet to receive the file on the liquor notification. In good spirits, he should not sign the new rule of allowing new liquor outlets but double the fees of those set-up after 1980. By this action, the government will score brownie points, can point fingers at the previous governments for having broken the rule and gain the goodwill of citizens, parents and managements of the institutions.
