Goans Drink All The Time, But Nobody Can Tell, Says Goa Tourism Minister

Panaji: As Goa, the country's hottest tourist destination,  moves to end its famous all-night dance parties, the state's Tourism Minister has blamed visitors for causing "chaos" because unlike Goans, he said, outsiders cannot hold their alcohol.

They ruin our culture, our Goenkarponn (Goanness)," said the minister, Manohar Ajgaonkar  adding that liquor cannot be banned in Goa because "it is also a part of our tradition." Elaborating, he said, according to news agency IANS, "In Goa, if there is stomach pain, people still warm up alcohol and drink it. But Goans when they drink alcohol, they do not lose control. Even if a Goan drinks alcohol, the next person will not know he has consumed liquor. He will not show it."

Last month, the BJP was re-elected to run the state. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said the government would start enforcing a long-ignored ban on loud music after 10 pm -- bad news for bars and clubs  that stay open into the early hours on famous beaches.

"There is a legal ban on holding parties after 10 PM. The ban will be upheld by the state government," Mr Parrikar said yesterday. 

The former Portuguese enclave lures millions of tourists every year with its night life, sandy beaches and hippie coastal vibe.  But its reputation as a tropical paradise has been marred by high-profile crimes involving foreigners. Last month, the naked body of a 28-year-old Irish woman was found dumped near a tourist hotspot. She had been spotted at a party with a local man who was later arrested for her rape and murder.

In 2008, 15-year-old British schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling was drugged, raped and murdered in a case that made global headlines. Her semi-naked body was found in shallow waters near a popular party beach.

Other foreigners have also died in suspicious circumstances, while drug and alcohol-related mishaps are common.