Staff Reporter
Panaji
Shack operators have sought round-the-clock patrolling by police personnel at beach stretches across the state to prevent untoward incidents and ensure safety.
The demand comes against the backdrop of recent altercations between tourists and shack operators, including their staff, particularly over alcohol and food service beyond closing hours.
Shack operators said that a few police personnel should be stationed at the beaches so that people can approach them if fights or arguments arise.
“Police personnel should be continuously stationed near the lifeguard towers round-the-clock so that we can approach them immediately, and untoward incidents, if any, could be prevented,” said Cruz Cardozo, President of Shack Owners’ Welfare Society (SOWS).
“There have been several instances where domestic tourists want shacks to remain open late hours to serve food and drinks which in turn lead to heated exchanges,” he said. “Such incidents can be prevented if the police personnel are nearby.”
A shack operator said that tourists often do not allow them to close the shacks even if it is past midnight.
“They want us to remain open beyond midnight asking to serve alcohol when we are already on the verge of closing. If we request them that we want to close as it’s already late, they pick up a quarrel with us,” he said.
“They have even squabbled with the lifeguards who warn them against going into water,” he added.
Another shack owner pointed out that they have witnessed arguments over the billing as well.
“There have been incidents where the domestic tourists have finished the food, and when we presented the bill, they have got into a dispute pointing out that the prices are high. They want good food, but are not willing to pay. If police personnel are around these issues can be resolved to a large extent, especially during the season time,”
he said.
