from daijiworld's special correspondent (MB)

Panaji, Apr 26: Beer availability at Goa's only multiplex run by INOX leisure Limited has snowballed into a full-length controversy with state excise department issuing show cause notice to the multiplex management.

"The notice is served as there were complaints from certain quarters who had mentioned that the children below 18 years were served beer at the multiplex," state excise commissioner P S Reddy said.

The row erupted when women organizations led by 'Bailancho Saad' began an agitation opposing the functioning of the bar in multiplex fearing safety of women who frequent the multiplex to watch movies. Serving three weeks' deadline to the excise department, the women organizations had threatened to initiate agitation, if its licence was not cancelled.

Now the state excise department has asked why the excise licence issued to Inox to run the Kingfisheer beer lounge within the multiplex premises should not be revoked. "The licence was issued to multiplex on the condition that it is subject to cancellation, if there is any complaint from any quarter," Reddy stated.

The commissioner said that the department had taken extra precautions while issuing licence as this is the first theatre to have such facility.

In all 1272-seat four screen Inox multiplex, tucked on Mandovi river bank, is located in the premises owned by Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), host for international film festival of india (IFFI).

The excise department has given three weeks' time for Inox to reply to the notice and have fixed personal hearing on May three.

Meanwhile, Inox management has reiterated that their multiplex is safe for audience. "Both Inox and Kingfisher has all the required licences and permissions in place for the Kingfisher lounge," Deepak Srivastava, regional general manager, Inox Goa, said in a press statement issued here.

"Entry to the lounge is restricted to 18 years and above with requirement of holding a bona fide ticket. The lounge serves snacks, coke and beer which patrons are not permitted to carry beyond the lounge area into the auditorium or even in the main lobby," Srivastava clarified.

He said that Inox has always attracted a discerning and mature audience and our women patrons have at all times felt very safe at Inox and even come to watch movies unescorted.

"Their safety and comfort is our topmost priority and we will never compromise on the same," he added.