Goa to amend law to ban alcohol consumption in open areas

Concerned over nuisance caused by boozers, Goa Government has proposed to amend its Excise Duty Act which will ban consumption of liquor in open and public places notified by authorities.
"Excise department is receiving numerous complaints about consumption of liquor in open spaces and public places, causing nuisance by littering bottles and cans," Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said during his budget speech in Legislative Assembly today.
"I propose to notify such open spaces and public places where consumption of liquor will not be allowed," he said.
Parsekar said Goa State Excise Duty Act, 1964 would be amended empowering the (Excise) commissioner and other such authorities to enforce the restriction.

The CM also proposed reduction in payment of licence fees for the retail sale of liquor in coastal talukas of Pernem, Quepem and Canacona.
Parsekar said the licence fees on retail sale of liquor in such areas shall be reduced to the extent of 25 per cent.