Panaji: The flow of liquor in Goa will get restricted from Wednesday onwards in the wake of forthcoming state legislative assembly election. The District Magistrate, at the behest of state election commission, restricted the working time of liquor bars, eateries and restaurants in the state including those in five star hotels to 11 pm from January 25 to February 6.
The order further stipulates that the outlets will need to shut down by 10 pm from February 6 to March 6.
District Magistrate Mihir Vardhan said the restrictions have been imposed to ensure that liquor is not used to entice voters.
"There is a nuisance wherever there are liquor outlets open till late night," he said.
Polls in Goa are scheduled for March 3 and counting of votes will take place on March 6. Vardhan said that the police and excise department officials will conduct raids at the outlets which would not follow the order.
The restricted timing orders are issued under Section 144 of CrPC and 29 (1) of Goa Excise Act.
The officials said that even those outlets which have permits to operate till late nights, including those in five star hotels, will have to shut down as per the stipulated timings.
Presently, bars close their shutters depending upon the permission given but generally tend to do business till late night.
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