Goa to deal heavily with foreigners running liquor bars: CM

Panaji, Aug 22 (UNI) The Goa government will come down heavily on foreign tourists running liquor bars in this international tourist destination in contravention of excise laws, said chief minister Digambar Kamat.

Replying to a budget debate on demand for excise in the state legislative assembly tonight, the Chief Minister expressed anquish over foreigners selling liquor even in the late hours in the coastal belt.

Even Speaker Pratapsinh Rane asked the Chief Minister as to how the foreigners with tourist visa were allowed to do business violating the rules and regulations and directed him to take deterrent action against the errant.

Mr Kamat directed the excise department officials to make a survey as to how many such foreigners have been engaged in the illegal trade and initiate proceedings against them forthwith.

It may be noted that some of the bars, being run by the foreigners, disallow the Indian customers from having a drink in their shops.

Calangute legislator Agnelo Fernandes told the House that a local person holding the licence of the bar often gives kit on lease to the moneyed foreigners by circumventing the laws of the land.

UNI BM SSS RR BD2230