30th April 2013

Drinking on beaches has been banned in the Indian state, as authorities tackle littering and drunken behaviour

The ban was announced last week under the Goa Tourist Places (Protection and Maintenance) Act. Hotels and beach bars will continue to sell alcoholic beverages, however under the new rules, all alcoholic drinks will have to be consumed on the premises. Travellers hoping to walk and sit elsewhere, bring their own alcohol to the beach, or find a private spot will not longer be able to do so.

Picnicking locals will also be affected by the new ban. People visiting the beaches will no longer be able to carry glass bottles with them either, no matter what they contain.

The Times of India quoted a senior official at the tourism department as saying: Tourists were being injured by stepping on broken bottles on the beach. The official also went on to say the rules have been enforced to prevent Eve teasing on Goan beaches, referring to the rise in crimes and harassment against females.

The new rules will be enforced by the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), which has been deployed on Goan beaches to provide security 24 hours a day. Those caught drinking on the beaches will first be warned, before the IRB confiscates liquor and glass bottles.

Original post:

Goa bans drinking on beaches