PANAJI, AUG 20: The Goan Church has called for a ban on liquor at religious functions. The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC), the highest body of the Catholic Church, said the alcohol menace was growing in the State because of social customs, easy availability and advertising.

Calling for a change in social mores in the State to check the increasing problem of alcoholism, the DPC at its recent meeting urged Christians not to serve alcoholic drinks to mark religious functions like funerals, local feasts like those of the crosses and even litanies.

While the DPC wanted citizens to reform social mores, it also requested the Govt to adopt a policy to control consumption.

The DPC called for effective checks on alcohol advertisements. It said that new bar and liquor licences should be issued only after consulting locals through Gram Sabha meetings.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.