PANAJI: The Supreme Court’s momentous liquor ban order of December 15, 2016, has affected 11 per cent of liquor licences in Goa.
A total of 1,240 liquor outlets have finally shut down as a result of the apex court order and the loss of revenue to the exchequer (from the cancellation of the licences) is estimated at Rs two crore.
This was disclosed by the government on Thursday while replying to a question raised by Santa Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes on the floor of the House.
It was revealed that those affected by the apex court order on ban on liquor along highways did not approach the government for help after their outlets were closed. Further, the government also did not make any estimate on the financial and social impact of the order on liquor shop and bar owners, their workers or families.
The apex court order that came into effect from April 1, 2017 impacted liquor retailers, wholesalers, bars and restaurants located along the highways. To give maximum relief to local stakeholders, the government took the decision to measure the location of the outlets within the prohibited area, by considering access approach by road, which provided relief to 184 licences.
Further, a three-year time period was granted to the affected licence holders to shift their premises as also to dispose the existing stock of liquor to wholesalers or any other operative licencee, within a stipulated time period without payment of additional fees.