* Association Prez Dattaprasad Naik says Excise min has failed to resolve issues of the liquor industry
Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Goa Liquor Traders Association today alleged that liquor licenses are illegally leased out with the blessing of politicians from the ruling dispensation.
Association Leader Dattaprasad Naik, along with others met Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai with their set of unresolved issues.
“Liquor licenses are illegally leased out with the blessing of politicians from the ruling dispensation. We had met the ruling party, but no action was taken, and that is the reason we have now come to the opposition,” said Naik.
He further accused the BJP government of failing to protect the interest of liquor industry in Goa.
“Liquor is the only industry which currently belongs to Goans; rest all industries in Goa are captured by outsiders,’ he said.
Dattaprasad claimed that efforts are now being made by some to bring in outside players into the liquor industry.
“The incumbent excise minister (CM) has completely failed in resolving all the issues concerning the industry,” he added.
He said there are 3,076 wine shops and 800 bars and restaurants in the coastal state, and according to law, a wine shop license can be granted to a person only when he possesses a certificate of residing in Goa for the past 25 years.
However, with the new notification, the Chief
Minister will have the power to grant licenses to non-Goans at the Mopa airport on the pretext of boosting tourism.