Sale of liquor near film festival venue opposed

PANAJI - Women’s rights groups in Goa are opposing the sale of liquor close to the venue of the 41st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here.

The IFFI, which gets underway Monday, is in the crosshairs of the Bailancho Saad, a women’s rights group, with the festival organisers allowing sale of liquor near the event’s venue.

“We have written a letter to the chief secretary and the chief executive officer of the Entertainment Society of Goa against the setting up of ‘Kingfisher Village’, where sale of liquor is rampant,” convenor of the women’s organization Sabina Martins told reporters here.

“Kingfisher Village” is a mock village built by United Breweries, the company which owns Kingfisher beer, located a short distance from the festival venue. The village has several outlets selling beer.

“It is sad that the state government itself is promoting such perceptions and alcohol,” Martins said.

The 10-day festival starts Monday and will be inaugurated by Bollywood film maker Yash Chopra and union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The state government formally announced a sponsorship alliance with Kingfisher a few days ago.