The Rule of ‘No Drinking on Beaches’ may Further reduce the Tourists Flow to the State?

If Goa is the one place in your bucket list to enjoy your sunsets by the beach with some beer, then you might want to reconsider this as the new development in the tourism sector have compelled the government to apply the hefty fines on the tourist who plans to have their own party on the beaches by opening the bottle of liquor.

According to the report published on the Times of India If chilling on the beach with a bottle of beer and your friends was the image of your next Goa vacation, then you need to rethink your holiday plans. You might end up paying a hefty fine if you are planning to have your own party on the beaches of Goa.

Goa has always been the most preferred destination for holidays and parties. It has attracted millions of young tourists from around the world, who would want to spend their evenings and nights, drinking by a beach and partying. But in the recent scenario, things seem to have been changing around Goa.

This coastal state though is the tiniest state in the country but still is coveted more than any destination in the country. It is no new fact that everyone in their life wants to visit Goa for its vibes, freedom and parties. This is the one place people can depend on for free-spiritedness and safety. People are much more liberal and the culture of the state is similar to that of Europeans which is why this place is unique.

In the recent news, the Goa cabinet amended the Registration of Tourist Trade Act, and as per the amendment, drinking alcohol or cooking in public on Goa’s beaches will now attract a fine of Rs 2,000 or imprisonment for up to three months. Those committing the listed offences in groups will be fined Rs 10,000.

According to the Times of India, Goa’s Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said that the amendment would be tabled for passing in the upcoming session of the state assembly, which begins today.

“We have brought this amendment for those who indulge in breaking bottles on the beach, cooking and drinking alcohol in public places like our beaches. Nobody can drink alcohol on our beaches and tourist places anymore. Bottles cannot be carried there. Food also cannot be cooked in the open. All these offences will attract a fine of Rs 2,000. If the fine is not paid, an offence can be registered. The offender can be arrested and imprisoned for three months.”

This step was taken as the tourism department fears that the quality of Goa as a tourist destination is reducing due to the tourist behaviour which is giving out a bad image of the state to others.

According to Goa Prism, Goa’s major image as a tourist spot has become only about parties, drugs and alcohol. The reckless behaviour showcased by the tourists is often condemned by the locals. The loud music, drunk driving and harassing of locals by the tourists are just some of the problems faced by the locals.

It is a known fact that majority of the tourists arriving in the state are interested in the alcohol and sit by a beach consuming it. Often they end up breaking the empty bottles and littering around the beach which has caused a major case of pollution of beaches.

Nobody wants rules and regulations while they are on a vacation. Everybody seems to put their fun cap on and forget their responsibilities. But these are bound to cost the host communities of their peace and prove harm for the environment.

With the recent cases of Goa dropping in tourist numbers and also attracting low-quality tourists, tourism stakeholders are facing major issues in keeping up with their business. Apart from these, many cases of tourist nuisances have been reported in recent years.

DY Speaker and BJP MLA, Michael Lobo had blamed the CM for not taking appropriate measures to bring about discipline in tourists behaviour. Lobo suggested that these events must be dealt with strictly and hefty penalty must be ensured on such tourists.

He further blamed the CM and stated he is responsible for the decline of good tourism in Goa and that He should ensure that Goa is not going down the drain owing to such nuisance.

This ban has received mixed reactions from the tourists. Some feel that this ban is likely to make this place safer and comfortable for families and female travellers while some are of the opinion that this move is killing the “Goa Vacay Vibes”.

But the fact remains that booze, parties and fun are what makes Goa such a happening place. It is important to maintain the cleanliness and decency of the place but the tourists suggest increasing patrolling and taking other measures rather than banning drinking in the beaches. People prefer Goa for its vibes compared to other places like Pondicherry as they can have more freedom.

The major question that arises is: Will Goa loses its charm as a Vacation destination? Many Tourists are of the opinion that these fines must only be levied on tourists creating a nuisance and not everyone who is indulging in drinking. What do you think of this? Should the Government take into consideration the tourists opinions? What changes do you think this move might bring about in the Tourism influx?