Panaji, Oct 28 (IANS): After banning liquor consumption at public spaces, especially beaches and other tourism hotspots, the Goa government has now cleared the decks for banning of sale and consumption of alcohol in all notified industrial estates in the coastal state.

Industries Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday said all the 20 industrial estates in Goa would turn into "alcohol-free zones".

"In public interest and for the safety of our workers, I have cleared a file to make all industrial estates an alcohol-free zone. The safety of our workers is of utmost importance and we will work towards achieving the same," Rane said.

The new law making industrial estates "alcohol free" zones will come into reality soon, once passed by the state assembly.

In January this year, the Goa cabinet had passed a law banning consumption of alcohol in public places and assured a crackdown on "boozing" on beaches and other tourist sites in the coastal state, which attracts nearly eight million tourists every year. Drinking in public in Goa now attracts a fine of Rs 2,000 as well as a three-month imprisonment.