NT NETWORK
NAVELIM
In defiance of the Supreme Court order, banning sale of liquor within 500 metres of the national and state highways, several wholesale liquor vendors kept their establishments open late on Saturday evening in rural Salcete, however many restaurants took alcoholic drinks off the menu. Some bars and restaurants were also found to be open.
A random survey revealed that several wholesale vendors had opened the shutters of their premises after 7 p.m while a few restaurants opened only to keep alcoholic beverages off the menu card.
When visited areas like Raia, Loutolim, Borim, Fatorda, Margao, Nuvem, it was found that many bars and restaurants were open even though the Supreme Court has banned sale of liquor within the designated area along the highways.
“We have kept liquor off the counter; we will be serving only food. Most of the customers used to come for food and have a light time at night. Now, we do not know what to expect. Surely, the ban will affect our revenue as we have to manage the staff salary, rent of the premises, etc,” said owner of a restaurant, who did not want to be named.
Another restaurant owner, also wishing anonymity, said that “my family of five depends on the income from my small bar and restaurant. The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has assured that restaurants do not come under the purview of the ban, but I am still worried.”