Tourists, Alert! Goa prepares for a crackdown on boozing in public areas, including beaches

Goa has been synonymous to beaches, music, fun and booze for a very long time. The natural beauty, the stunning landscape and the Goan culture have made the state a tourist hotspot. There's no denying the fact that it is one of the biggest tourist destination not just in the country but worldwide.

Which also means that Goa has seen a massive degradation in its cultural and exploitation of its natural beauty. With people thinking of creating some bent up version of a Goan holiday where they can cook, booze and party right at the beach. If you're someone who thinks the same, we have news for you.

In attempts to crackdown public boozing, littering at the beaches and making Goa a more tourist friendly destination, the government is tightening the security and scrutiny.

What's the update?

Goa's beaches, tourist spots and monuments have been put under tight scrutiny owing to the incident wherein two tourists drowned in the state. The government had previously put a ban on carrying or drinking alcohol at the beaches or public monuments. The crackdown was planned during the last year's Goa season. The new Goa Tourist Places (Maintenance and Protection) (Amendment) bill- 2019, which was passed unanimously by the Goan legislative assembly, decided to put a ban on cooking and drinking at public places.

Moreover, the bill ensures that any tourist found drinking liquor, cooking or breaking bottles in the public area will be fined ₹10,000 in groups and ₹2000 if alone.

Why the crackdown?

Though the law was passed last year and a permanent ban was put on drinking and cooking at public places, after the recent drowning incident, the government has planned a more vigilant crackdown.

Since, the tourist season is currently in full swing, the ban becomes especially important for those who have come to Goa with the crazy-party image in mind.

The civic authorities believe that the crackdown will also help in preserving the Goan culture and traditions.

Knock Knock

If you've made a 'Goa party plan' or are currently in the state looking for a lit party or a cool bonfire by the beach, we would strongly advice you to carefully plan things. The ban will especially affect the party cravers and the trouble makers who came to Goa with certain expectations in their head.