North Goa: District Administration bans sale of liquor to ensure free and fair elections

Panaji (Goa) [India], Apr 24 (ANI): In view of the ensuing by-polls to the 11-Panaji Assembly Constituency scheduled on May 19 in North Goa District, the District Magistrate on Wednesday banned the sale of liquor in North Goa district, the administration said in a statement.
The ban will remain in place till May 19 midnight, barring April 17, when it will come in place only after 6 pm in the evening. According to the administration, the ban has been imposed to ensure free, fair, peaceful and orderly conduct of the entire election process.
The administration has further prohibited selling or serving of liquor on the whole day of the counting of votes, that is, on May 23.
The licensed premises having the license for bar and restaurant are allowed to keep the restaurant open for serving food only and the bar counter will be closed and no liquor will be allowed to be served or sold.
Any liquor shop/bar, pub or any establishment serving or selling liquor is found violating this order, during the prescribed period will be liable for cancellation of license and the owner or offender will be liable for penal action under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1908, with Section 30 of the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964 and other relevant provisions of law in force, the administration warned. (ANI)