Daijiworld Media Network - Calangute

Calangute, Oct 16: In a late-night crackdown, the excise department on Tuesday shut down several retail and wholesale liquor outlets in Calangute that were found operating beyond the permitted closing time of 10 pm.

The action came following repeated complaints of unruly behaviour and rising incidents of hooliganism and violence in the popular Calangute-Candolim coastal belt, allegedly involving intoxicated tourists and migrant workers. The situation worsened over the weekend when two policemen were assaulted by drunken individuals on Sunday night.

The drive was initiated after Calangute MLA Michael Lobo urged the excise commissioner to strictly enforce closing hours for liquor shops in the area. “Excise inspectors are supposed to ensure that outlets close by 10 pm, but enforcement has been lax, leading to a free-for-all situation in the North Goa tourism belt with drunken tourists and daily accidents,” Lobo said.
He further criticized the authorities for inaction, stating that not a single liquor licence had been suspended or cancelled despite frequent violations.

Excise department officials confirmed that such checks will continue regularly to restore order and ensure compliance with existing regulations. “Our teams will intensify night inspections to prevent illegal sale of liquor beyond the permitted hours,” an official said.

The move aims to curb late-night disturbances and enhance public safety in one of Goa’s busiest tourist corridors.