Panaji, January 24: Drinking alcohol or cooking in public places in Goa will now attract a penalty of Rs 2,000 or imprisonment for up to three months, according to an amendment to the Registration of Tourist Trade act which was approved by the Goa cabinet on Thursday, said Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar. He also added that the bill is yet to be passed in the Assembly. Goa Drinking Ban: ‘7-Day Jail Without Bail’ to Curb Drunken Driving Likely to Be Imposed in India’s Favorite Beach Destination.

Ajgaonkar, while speaking to ANI, said, "We have made amendments in the Tourism Act, drinking or cooking in public will attract a fine of Rs. 2000 or imprisonment for three months. The Bill is yet to be passed in the Assembly, we will also issue an advisory." Goa Dy Speaker Blames Indian Tourists, CM for Decline in Tourism in State.

Earlier, on January 15, Calangute Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Michael Lobo criticised his own government, particularly Chief Minister Manohar Parrikhar for inaction against people who drink in the beaches. He said that Parrikar was 100 per cent responsible as he failed to issue necessary orders to ban consumption on liquor in beaches, despite raising issues several times.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2019 08:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).