By Sanjay Paul
The state government relaxed rules allowing the sale of liquor near educational institutions. But the operators will have to shell out more to get the licence.
No licence was granted, for opening a liquor shop within a radius of 100 meters from an educational institution. However, the government has now said that liquor shops within the said radius of 100 meters would be allowed with a 100% increase in the licence fees.
Previously the Excise Commissioner was not allowed to grant licence for sale of liquor or renewal of licence to a liquor retail outlet within 100 meters of an educational institution, place of worship, a Harijan basti or near a labour colony.
The licence fees for liquor outlets presently depends on whether it is situated in municipality area, B class municipality, villages, super market premises as well as the area of the premises.
Under the Goa excise rules 1964 an application for a licence for wholesale or retail sale of liquor, other than denatured spirit preparation, denatured spirit, rectified spirit or absolute alcohol , has to be made to the excise commissioner who is at liberty to approve or reject the application.
The licence for liquor shops ranges between Rs 15,000/- and Rs.6000/- depending on the location and area of the outlet.
