Feb 20, 2017 |

Goa’s offshore casinos will not be affected by the latest rules set by the Supreme Court, banning the sale of liquor within 500 meters of state and national highways, local media reports.

The Goa Excise Department, which is currently mapping liquor outlets along national and state highways, said that casinos in river Mandovi are clear of the minimum distance criteria.

“If any casino vessel is within 500 metres of the bridge we will not renew their licence. But as per Google Maps, they are 800 metres away from the bridge on national highway,” Goa Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza said to Press Trust of India.

All those in violation of the distance requirement will not have their licenses renewed, said the department.

It is understood that cruise boats ferrying tourists will be impacted by the SC order.

“The boat cruises are located within 500 meters of the national highway no 17. Right now we have to go as per the law and licenses will not be renewed after March 31,” said D’Souza.