The Department of Finance, on December 11, 2025, issued a notification directing closure of all licensed liquor sale premises within the jurisdiction of North Goa Zilla Panchayat and South Goa Zilla Panchayat, excluding Municipal Areas and the Corporation of the City of Panaji, in public interest on December 19, 20 and 22, 2025.
The direction has been issued under sub-rule (4) of Rule 99 of the Goa Excise Duty Rules, 1964, in connection with the polling day and counting of votes for the General Elections to the North Goa and South Goa Zilla Panchayats. The notification mandates that no sale of liquor shall take place on the specified dates in the notified rural areas.
However, licensed premises holding “Bar and Restaurant” licences are permitted to keep their restaurants open for serving food only, subject to strict closure of the bar counter and complete prohibition on serving liquor. Such premises are also required to display a clear notice stating that no liquor will be served and that only food service is operational during the notified period.
[Notification No. 2/2/2022-Fin(R&C) (A)/30209]
