Goa, the Indian state that is among the world's popular nightlife destinations, has begun a crackdown on late-night parties after local leaders complained it was turning into a drug haven.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar directed the police to enforce a long-ignored Supreme Court order that bars late-night parties and musical events that continue beyond 10pm.
The order will dampen the mood of tens of thousands of revellers who have travelled to party at bars and clubs on Goa's famous beaches - though pubs and clubs with a permit are exempt.
"There is an existing order by the Supreme Court which bans open-air parties after 10pm. The state government is enforcing the order and has asked for a strict compliance," senior police officer Kartik Kashyap told DPA from state capital Panaji.
"Clubs, pubs and other establishments which already have permits can continue with late-night parties," he said.
Parrikar's directions come days after his cabinet colleague Vinod Palyekar demanded a ban on 'drug-ridden rave parties' on beaches. He alleged large-scale sale and trafficking of drugs in coastal areas, in connivance with the police department.
"These parties are against our culture. We need to stop them immediately," Palyekar, who is part of Parrikar's Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government, told domestic media.
Parrikar, whose party won state elections last month, has also asked the police to crack down on prostitution and illegal gambling.
Goa, with its cluster of beaches, coves, churches and forests, attracts more than four million tourists annually.