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May 28, 2007 12:37 IST
Goa's liquor stocks have begun drying up as distributors, wholesalers and retailers have resorted to an indefinite strike alleging harassment at the hands of the excise department.
The department, tightening noose around the liquor retailers and wholesalers, has filed 100-odd cases, while 50-odd permits were cancelled for violating excise laws.
In the run-up to June 2 Assembly polls, the Election Commission has adviced the department to strictly adhere to rules to avoid misuse of liquor in enticing voters.
Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalswami, on his first visit to the state, had specifically insisted on the need to curb liquor and money flow in the ensuing elections.
Irked by the department's rigid measures, the liquor wholesalers are on a strike since the last six days. This has started affecting the bar outlets, which will have to stop serving liquor as their stocks are running dry.
"Whatever we are doing is as per law.... they have no reasons to grumble," Excise Commissioner P S Reddy told PTI.
He said the department has been sticking to the laws and there is nothing objectionable about it.
The liquor sellers, on the other hand, allege harassment.
"We have been asked to keep regular records of 'liquor served'. With raids becoming the order of the day it's not possible. Many licences have been cancelled," Bernabe Sapeco, Convenor, Goa Liquor Traders Association, stated.
The liquor industry, which has been pouring Rs 100-odd crore (Rs 1-odd billion) to the treasury of the tourist state, has for the first time in 25 years resorted to such a mass shut down.
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