Restaurants, Bars And Shacks Stopped Playing Music,Serving Alcohol After 11 Pm

Since the past few weeks, restaurants, bars and shacks have stopped playing music and serving alcohol after 11 pm.

With the Assembly election in Goa scheduled for February 4, various restrictions have been imposed which have turned out to be a party pooper for tourists.

Since the past few weeks, restaurants, bars and shacks have stopped playing music and serving alcohol after 11 pm. Police have been patrolling the beaches to ensure all shutters are downed by 11 at night.

Here is all you need to know:
As per an administrative order issued on January 6, liquor shops, bars, restaurants, pubs, food joints and shacks should be closed by 11 pm from January 6 to February 2.

February 2-5 have been declared dry days with flying squads likely to keep a close watch on bars and other possible places for selling alcohol.

"Liquor and food items are usually used by candidates and political parties to lure voters," the order said.
Ahead of the election, liquor worth Rs 80 lakh has been seized so far, prompting restaurants and bars to shut shops at sharp 11 pm.

The administrative order has hit the tourism sector which is the key source of income for the state and its people.
Licences to beach shacks came late, affecting several locals. "Many tourists, especially foreigners, have cut their trip short," said Yogesh, a shack manager at Bagha beach.

Some others said they expected the rules to come into force once the campaigning ended. "This long duration of rules spoiled the fun," said a tourist who had come from Delhi.

Election Commission officials have been maintaining a strict vigil at all entry and exit points to the state. "We have confiscated 76,000 litres of liquor till now," said Chief Election Officer Kunal said.