Goemkarponn desk
PORVORIM: Despite the huge hue and cry from activists as well as the general public over the sale of alcohol at historic Aguada fort, the Government says it has not issued any directives for withdrawal of the licence.
Replying to an answer tabled by AAP MLA Cruz Silva, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte said there is no direction to withdraw liquor sale licence at Aguada fort.
The opening up of a bar at Goa’s iconic Aguada fort, once a dreaded Portuguese prison where freedom fighters were incarcerated and now a state heritage site, has triggered controversy in the state, with the Opposition demanding that the bar be shut down out of deference to the unsung freedom fighters of the state to whom the heritage structure has now been dedicated to.
As per the documents furnished in teh House, the liquor licence is issued in the name of G Ravi Shankar, authorised signatory of Waterfront Experiences Pvt Ltd, Sinquerim Candolim Goa.
The seller is allowed to sell liquor from 9 am to 11 pm.
Meanwhile, the contractor is allowed to charge Rs.200 for adults (above nine years) and Rs 1000 for children.
An international visitor is charged Rs.400.
A local Goan is charged Rs 100 for adults while Children are charged Rs 50. A Senior Citizen is Rs.100.
The Families of Freedom Fighters/ Armed Personnel/ School Students are charged no entry fee.
Further, Khaunte said, as per the said Agreement, the Operator has to pay an Annual License Fees (ALF) of Rs.1,50,70,000/- to GTDC.
