Power Minister Nilesh Cabral appreciated the move to hike excise price on liquor and feni to help traditional Goan feni makers. Cabral said people came in Goa not to drink but to enjoy it’s natural beauty and get a feel of the place and socialise. Ironically, he said that there were five more states in India where people get alcohol cheaper than Goa.

Opposition had gone to town after the government’s decision to hike liquor. Liquor traders and the tourism industry too had its reservations. After meeting various stakeholders of the industry On Tuesday, the Chief Minister had announced a rethink on the liquor hike.