Sun-worshippers flocking to Goa can rest assured after the state's chief minister ruled out banning the wearing of bikinis on its beaches.
The move follows a call for the ban by a local minister who claimed it was difficult to "control" men who arrived in the area from visiting states. "By the time a victim reaches the police, it is too late. It is better to control such type of activities on the beaches," public works department (PWD) minister Sudin Dhavalikar said. However Goa's chief minister Manohar Parrikar said: "Goa government does not favour banning bikinis on the beaches. But it should not create indecency." Parrikar added drinking in public places, including beaches, would not be allowed. He said: "You cannot drink on the beaches. If you want to drink, do it in restaurant. You can't drink on the road. Sometimes fights break out on the road after drinking and we can't takeaction against anyone. But if the fight is in the bar, we can suspend the bar's licence."
