liquor traders in Goa on Wednesday said they would file a revision petition in the Supreme Court to challenge the ban on liquor outlets located within 500 metres of the country’s National and State Highways, claiming the order was vague and would render jobless thousands of lives in the State.
Addressing a Press conference in Panaji, Goa Highway Affected liquor Vendors Association convener Gaurish Dhond also said that the State Government should immediately de-notify highways passing criss-crossing the State to provide interim relief to the more than 3,000 liquor store owners who are likely to be affected by the order, which was issued in December last year. “The review petition will be filed by our Association... We believe that the order is vague and cause a lot of harm to the State’s economy and ruin the lives of thousands of businessmen, who have been running liquor business for generations,” Dhond said.
“The Goa Government should at least denotify all State and National Highways passing through the State’s area so that the liquor traders who come into the ambit of the order can get some relief,” Dhond also said.
One of the most popular tourism destinations in the country, Goa is well known for its liberal liquor regime, where alcohol is taxed less, as compared to other states. There are over 11000 licenced liquor vendors in the state, including bar and restaurant licence holders and around 3000 such outlets are facing the axe thanks to the apex court order.
Dhond also said that many bars and restaurants as well as hotels along the state’s major roads, may face closure due to the ban.
Chief Minister laxmikant Parsekar has expressed symapthy with the liquor vendors, claiming the Supreme Court should have issued notices to chief secretaries of all state governments and union territories before passing the December order.
“The honourable Supreme Court should have taken into account the opinions of the states and union territories which are also stakeholders,” he had said.