Goa Tourism Department Banned Drinking on the Beaches to Prevent Littering and Eve Teasing

The Goa tourism department in April 2013 directed the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) to ban people from carrying glass bottles or alcohol on the beaches. In the fortnightly meeting that took place between IRB and tourism department, the decision was taken to ban the bottles and liquor on the Goa beaches.

Implementation of the decision can be seen in a way that IRB has already been deployed on beaches of Goa in order to facilitate the 24*7 security.

Reason for the ban

The ban is a result of the lobbying done by Calangute legislator Michael Lobo. Lobo had been campaigning against issues caused by glasses scattered on beaches of the state. The issue was taken by Michael Lobo to tourism department as well as the police. Tourists complained regarding injuries because of the broken glass pieces of liquor and beer bottles.

Goa officials also explained that rising crimes against women in India was another reason of the ban on carrying glass bottles or alcohol on the beaches of Goa. The decision was taken to prevent eve teasing on the beaches.

Repercussions of the ban

The decision would be a blow to local Goans who went on beaches for picnic and carried alcoholic drinks along with them. In case the tourists do not follow the orders, the alcoholic bottles would be confiscated.

However, the tourists would be allowed to drink only at the licensed shops that serve liquor.