Panaji: Goa BJP MLA Premendra Shet’s call for a ban on alcohol consumption in the coastal state has sparked a major debate but has garnered little support from his colleagues in the legislative assembly.
During a session on Tuesday, Shet, representing the Mayem assembly constituency in North Goa, argued that to achieve a vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Viksit Goa’ (Developed Goa), alcohol consumption should be prohibited in the state. “We can produce alcohol in Goa and export it to other states, but its consumption should be banned within our borders,” he stated, emphasising the need for such measures to address the rising issues related to alcohol use in the state.
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Shet’s concerns stem from a belief that increasing alcohol consumption is contributing to a rise in accidents, both on the roads and in industrial settings. However, his colleagues did not share his views.
BJP MLA Delilah Lobo, speaking to reporters the following day, questioned the practicality of Shet’s proposal. “Does he want people to shut down their restaurant businesses?” she asked, pointing out that tourism in Goa heavily relies on alcohol sales. “Alcohol is a significant draw for tourists. What shall we do—close down the restaurants?” Lobo, who, along with her husband Michael Lobo (the MLA for Calangute), owns a chain of hotels, underscored the economic ramifications of such a ban.
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AAP MLA Cruz Silva also weighed in on the issue, asserting that a ban on alcohol in Goa is unfeasible. He noted, “Accidents do happen on our roads, but they do not necessarily involve Goans. Many restaurants and businesses depend on the sale of alcohol. A ban would negatively impact employment.”
Similarly, BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar acknowledged the serious issue of alcohol abuse in the state. He revealed that he had previously raised concerns in the assembly about establishing de-addiction centres for chronic alcoholics. However, he disagreed with Shet’s proposal. “We have seen the devastating effects of alcohol addiction. Some of my friends have even lost their lives due to it, but banning alcohol outright in Goa is not a viable solution,” Amonkar stated.
Kedar Naik, another MLA from the ruling BJP, reiterated the importance of the liquor industry to Goa’s economy, emphasising its role in tourism. “Goa is a tourist state, and liquor is integral to our tourism industry. Many local businesses rely on the sale of alcohol,” he said, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.
Independent MLA Dr. Chandrakant Shetye added that while banning alcohol might not be realistic, efforts should focus on reducing consumption rather than imposing a blanket prohibition.
Vijai Sardesai, a legislator from the Goa Forward Party, pointed to a growing concern regarding alcohol availability. He noted that during Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s tenure, the number of wine shops in Goa has surged from 1,500 to 2,000, reflecting an increase in excise revenue. “Wine shops are allowed everywhere, and the excise revenue has grown because of the increase in their numbers,” Sardesai remarked, suggesting that the government should instead address the proliferation of liquor outlets.
Shet’s call for a ban on alcohol consumption was made during discussions on demands for grants for the state excise department. He attributed fatalities on the roads and in industrial units to the growing issue of alcohol consumption, claiming, “There is no control over liquor sales in the state.” He accused retail outlets of selling alcohol beyond permissible hours and pointed out that wholesalers often sell directly to retail customers. “Alcoholism is on the rise in Goa, and we need to take measures to control this,” Shet insisted.
The MLA also mentioned that several states in India have already implemented alcohol bans and suggested that Goa should follow suit. However, Chief Minister Sawant, who addressed various queries during the assembly discussions, did not comment on the call for a ban on alcohol consumption.
After the session, Shet reiterated the necessity of an alcohol ban to save lives, responding to concerns about the livelihoods of those involved in the liquor business. “Let them shift to other businesses,” he said, maintaining that tourism would not be adversely affected by such a ban.
Tourism is often viewed as the backbone of Goa’s economy, and the state is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and all-night parties. Recent data shared by the Goa government indicated that an average of three to four cases of chronic alcoholism were reported daily at government-run de-addiction facilities over the past five years. Chronic alcoholism is characterised by a long-term pattern of excessive alcohol consumption, which poses significant health risks.
In response to this growing issue, the Goa government has established special facilities in the state’s two districts to support individuals struggling with alcohol and drug dependence. While the debate over banning alcohol in Goa continues, the conversation underscores the complexity of addressing alcohol-related problems while considering the economic implications for the state’s tourism-driven economy. PTI
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