Rs 10,000 fine for drinking in public in Goa soon?

Panaji: Bombarded with complaints about drinking of alcohol on beaches, roads and highways and in public areas by tourists, the Goa government on Monday introduced a new amendment to state excise law which recommends identification of 'no alcohol consumption zones' across Goa.

Those found drinking in these zones will be fined up to Rs 10,000, the bill recommends.

"Government is receiving a number of complaints of consumption of liqour in open spaces, public places, beaches, public roads, state and national highways, mostly by visiting tourists," the Goa Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2016 which was introduced in the ongoing monsoon session of the Goa assembly states.

"Upon consumption of liquor the bottles and cans are strewn around causing environmental degradation and causing harm to pedestrians accessing the area," it says.

"Such persons, after being in an inebriated state, cause nuisance to general public, disturb peace in the area and cause general local tension, thereby posing a law and order situation on regular basis."

According to the bill, no person shall consume alcohol in a 'no alcohol consumption zone' and those who do can be fined Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000.

Goa, known as a popular tourism and nightlife destination, is also known for cheap alcohol, thanks to a liberal excise regime on liquors across the board.