To, The Editor Herald
Ref: Herald news dated 4th March 2014 titled " NEW EXCISE RULES TO CURTAIL NIGHT LIFE IN GOA " This may be published in your columns: Stephen Dias, D.Paula Government is planning to curtail time limit beyond 1 AM, for hotels, restaurants and clubs under new excise rules which is likely to be effective from April 1. With this news there was an immediate response from all of them including taxi owners who are completely dependent on Goa's night life for their livelihood? If this is implemented definitely tourism industry will be the most affected. Now, coming from the response to this notification Michael Lobo, MLA from Calangute responded immediately since he himself is a hotelier who has offered two categories to consider levying fees from the Government. First category is, for those who wanting to keep their establishment open till 1 AM, can be levied less fees than those who wanted to keep open till 4 AM which comes under second category. In fact the best timing for the people to go to sleep is from 1 to 4 AM and that was the correct timings which the Govt taught off being strict in their new set of excise rules. Michael Lobo could have opted again, for a third category which could go for a full night life. Therefore it is prudent that the Government should adhere this new set of excise rules which needs to be enforced with full force so that the public can get sleep without any disturbances. In fact it should have been retained up to 12 midnight. Stephen Dias D.Paula Mob: 9422443110