NT Reporter
Mapusa
Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira has questioned the Excise Department’s failure to act against liquor outlets and bars allegedly operating beyond permitted timing in the coastal village and urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who holds the Excise portfolio, to intervene.
Speaking to the media, Sequeira alleged that some liquor outlets began operating as early as 7 am and continued beyond their permitted closing time.
Sequeira also questioned why wholesale liquor outlets, which he said were permitted to operate only until 9.30 pm to 10 pm, were functioning until midnight or 1 am.
“It is sad that no action is being taken against these outlets, which are allegedly run by outsiders. Local business owners are targeted by the Excise Department, while these establishments are allowed to operate beyond
permitted hours,” he said.
He said the panchayat would write to the Chief Minister and submit photographs seeking action against the outlets.
He also raised concerns about garbage on the beach, stating that panchayat members were being forced to undertake cleaning drives to address the problem.
