Bars, Guest Houses Allowed to Reopen in Lockdown 4, Urges Goa Minister

Bars, small restaurants and guest houses should be allowed to open with social distancing norms in Lockdown 4, Goa Ports Minister Michael Lobo told the state cabinet at a meeting on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, Lobo also said, that several cabinet ministers had urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to recommend to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about allowing the small establishments to open in corona-free 'green' zones in Goa, in order to set the economy rolling.

"Small shops like those selling chai, snacks or thali lunches should be allowed with half the present seating capacity and social distancing protocol," Lobo told reporters.

"Even bars (should be opened). Let the number of tables be reduced, let customers sit far away from each other," the Minister also said.

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He said, that if Goa remains in the green zone next month, the state government could even consider opening small guest houses.

"I have suggested that some guest houses be allowed to re-open. Our youths are unemployed. At least some money will start coming to the state. Right now revenue collections are not coming in from the sale of liquor, GST, etc," Lobo said.

As a revenue generation measure, the state government over the last two days has hiked the prices of water, electricity and alcohol to tide over the financial crunch. (IANS)