PANAJI: Stating that it is legal to carry liquor for personal consumption at a hotel or restaurant that falls in no liquor zone, Rajeev Gomes, a lawyer, on Monday sought a clarification on this from excise commissioner Menino D’Souza so as to clear up the confusion that has come about in the light of the SC order on liquor outlets.
“The Goa Excise Act does not prohibit consumption of liquor at any public place,” Gomes said.
Speaking to reporters in Panaji after submitting a memorandum to the excise commissioner, Gomes said that citizens fear that inspectors of the excise department may harass and victimise them for carrying and drinking their own liquor in such hotels and restaurants.
Citing the government’s notification dated August 26, 2014, Gomes said that any person can possess alcohol without permit for his personal consumption.
He observed that even the Supreme Court has not placed any such prohibition.
D’Souza has assured Gomes that his department would seek clarification from the government on this issue and would soon come out with direction of the department.