Panaji: Goa BJP leader Dr Wilfred Mesquita has dismissed the possibility of Goa toeing the line of Kerala, which is outlining a ban on sale and consumption of alcohol in a phased manner, saying that consuming liquor is a part of the state`s culture.
"The law cannot come to Goa. Goans drink at wedding and parties. How can it be banned ?," Mesquita said while responding to a query on possibility of the state imposing a liquor ban on par with Kerala.
Mesquita, who is also the party spokesperson, was speaking in presence of Goa unit president Vinay Tendulkar during a press conference yesterday.
"It`s not possible to enact the same law in Goa," he said.
His statement comes in after senior minister Sudin Dhavalikar had said that pub is not Goa`s culture and it should be banned.
Endorsing Dhavalikar, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Shripad Naik too had said that pub culture in Goa should be controlled.
Naik`s statement was also supported by BJP`s women wing which had said that excessive pub culture is bad for the society.
After Congress-led ruling UDF in Kerala recommended shutting down over 700 liquor bars attached to hotels below the five-star categories, the Kerala Government yesterday approved the new liquor policy and also imposed a five per cent cess on liquor.
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had said the Cabinet would formally ratify the decision in its next meeting.