Panaji, Aug 3 (IANS): Fearing a bad influence on school students, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Friday said that he would ban sale of liquor in cheap plastic sachets.

"I am aware of the problem. The government will ban sale of liquor in sachets. They are so easily available like shampoo sachets. We will stop this practice," Parrikar said.

Goa is considered a liquor haven because of a relaxed tax regime as far as alcohol is considered. In more recent times, liquor companies have started selling cheap whisky and brandy in plastic sachets costing just Rs.5.

Parrikar's decision to ban the liquor sachets follows an apprehension raised by Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) legislator from Sanvordem, Ganesh Gaonkar, who claimed that minor students were being hooked on to these sachets as they were cheap and easily available.

"The sachets are also creating environment problems because the plastic is difficult to dispose of. We will ban it soon," Parrikar added.