Panaji: The Department of Finance (Revenue and Control) has ordered the closure of all licensed liquor outlets in select areas of Goa on specific dates in view of upcoming by-elections to village panchayat wards and the general elections to the Corporation of the City of Panaji.
As per the order, liquor shops will remain closed from March 7 to March 9, 2026 in wards going to polls for by-elections to 14 vacant village panchayat seats. The restriction applies to select wards in the talukas of Pernem, Bicholim, Bardez, Salcete, Ponda, Quepem and Canacona.
These include Ward No. I of Chandel-Hasapur and Ward No. IV of Mandrem in Pernem; Ward No. VII of Piligao and Ward No. III of Latambarcem in Bicholim; Ward No. I of Pilerne-Marna, Ward No. VI of Sirsaim, Ward No. II of Salvador do Mundo and Ward No. I of Candolim in Bardez. The restriction will also apply to Ward No. VI of Aquem Baixo in Salcete; Ward No. I of Borim, Ward No. III of Veling-Priol-Cuncoliem and Ward No. III of Bhoma-Adcolna in Ponda; Ward No. VIII of Balli-Adnem in Quepem; and Ward No. VIII of Loliem-Polem in Canacona.
Additionally, all licensed liquor outlets within the jurisdiction of the Corporation of the City of Panaji in North Goa district will remain closed on March 10, 11 and 13, 2026 due to polling and counting for the CCP general elections.
Authorities clarified that establishments holding Bar and Restaurant licences may keep their restaurants open only for serving food during these days. However, the bar counters must remain closed and no liquor will be served. Owners have also been directed to display a notice stating that liquor will not be served and that the restaurant is open only for food service during the restriction period.
