Panaji: After much delay, the State Tourism department has approached Election Commission of India (ECI) through the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) seeking relaxation on serving liquor beyond 11pm during the code period.
Currently there is ban on serving and selling liquor after 11pm.
Tourism department in a press statement issued has said that concerned over the impact of the time restrictions, hoteliers in Goa submitted a representation to the Director Tourism seeking relief from the ECI on the same. The representation stressed on the need for a relaxation in timings as the tourism season is currently at its peak and is expecting a further surge for the weekend festivities.
Earlier this week, Mr. Sanjiv Gadkar, Director, Department of Tourism along with delegation of hoteliers met CEO Goa where this issue causing difficulties to the hotel industry (bars/restaurants) were discussed and deliberated upon.
The Department has stated that the office of the CEO in Goa heard the issues raised by them and has assured to take up the matter with the ECI and is expecting a positive response shortly.
