NGO asks CM to revoke decision to sell wine outside licensed bars

Panaji, July 10 (UNI) A women's collective 'Bailancho Saad' today demanded, the Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane to revoke its decision to allow sale of beer and wine outside licenced bars immediately.

The NGO had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister besides the members of the State Legislative Assembly to this effect saying the sale of liquor had been opposed by women, children and the general public at large.

''The decision will lead to easy access to alcohol for children and adults, thus further aggravating alcohol related-problems such as alcoholism, violence in the family, economic destitution, accidents and health disorders,'' it said.

The decision was against the directive principles of the constitution and hence be withdrawn besides giving up its proposal to reduce taxes on alcohol.

The organization had also urged the government not to conduct events like 'Grape Escapade' that promoted consumption of wine but pleaded for increased budgetary allocation for opening detoxification centers.

UNI BM MJ MA KN1945