BJP MLA Demands Liquor Ban in Goa to Make it “Viksit”

Goa: A BJP MLA in Goa, Premendra Shet demanded in the legislative assembly that the consumption of alcohol should be banned in the coastal state to make it ‘viksit’ or developed. He also added that the ban on liquor will put a check on the loss of lives in liquor-related accidents on roads and in factories.

Shet made this demand in the Goa Assembly on Tuesday during discussions over demands for grants for the state excise department.

“For viksit Bharat and viksit Goa, the consumption of alcohol should be banned in Goa. We can produce alcohol in the state and export it to other states, but its consumption in Goa should be banned,” Shet said. He is a first-time BJP MLA representing Mayem assembly constituency in North Goa.

The MLA said, “Retail outlets sell liquor beyond the permissible timings and wholesalers sell alcohol for retail customers. Alcoholism is on rise in Goa and we need to control this.”

He pointed out that consumption of alcohol is already banned in four other states, and Goa should also join the list.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who responded to various questions raised during discussion on demands for grants for the excise department, made no statement on the ban on alcohol consumption in Goa.

Talking to reporters later, Shet claimed that there would be no impact on tourism in case of liquor ban.