The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 announced the closure of 500 retail liquor shops run by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) from June 22 (Thursday).
The announcement, made as per the direction of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, follows an assurance made by the then Minister for Prohibition and Excise V. Senthilbalaji on the floor of the Tamil Nadu Assembly in April that 500 of the 5,329 retail vending shops would be closed. The announcement was made as per the direction of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
A press release from Tasmac said all district managers had been asked to identify the shops that were to be closed.
Low-sale shops; those located near places of worship and educational institutions; those facing objections from members of the public; those that are involved in court litigation have been chosen for closure. Tasmac chairman S. Visakan had directed officials to ensure that the closure does not lead to the sale of illicit arrack.
Mr. Visakan said separate orders would be issued for the redeployment of employees of the closed shops.
As per the government order, 138 shops in Chennai region, 78 in Coimbatore region, 125 in Madurai region, 59 in Salem region and 100 in Tiruchi region would be closed.
