In a significant development, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu ordered the closure of 500 TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor shops across the state. DMK Minister Senthil Balaji had made the announcement to close 500 shops during the last Assembly session regarding demand for grants.
Following this announcement, the Home Department issued an order on April 20, which identified the 500 TASMAC retail outlets to be closed, effective from today, June 22.
The list of selected shops for closure was determined based on recommendations from zonal managers. Factors considered included low income, limited space, proximity to places of worship and educational institutions, previous court orders, public protests, and longstanding objections from building owners. Consequently, these shops will remain permanently closed starting today.
However the move has been criticized by Puthiya Tamizhagam party.
Dr. Krishnasamy, President of Puthiya Tamilagam said that the announcement by the DMK government is humbug.
He said that at the outset this move of DMK government may seem like a step towards prohibition but in reality it is not. He alleged that those TASMAC shops that threaten the business of FL-2 license bar are only being closed.
500 டாஸ்மாக் கடைகள் மூடல் மதுவிலக்கிற்காக எடுக்கப்பட்ட நடவடிக்கை இல்லை.!#டாஸ்மாக்_யுத்தம் pic.twitter.com/Nlpjneuldf
— Dr K Krishnasamy (@DrKrishnasamy) June 23, 2023
Shyam Krishnasamy, expressing his dissent on Twitter, stated, “After allowing 2,000 entertainment clubs (FL-2 license bars) and projecting an increase in liquor sales revenue from ₹43,000 crore to ₹52,000 crore in the upcoming year, the DMK has only pretended to close down 500 TASMAC outlets!”
இரண்டாயிரம் மனமகிழ் மன்றங்களுக்கு அனுமதி அளித்துவிட்டு,
நிதிநிலை அறிக்கையில் 43,000 கோடியாக இருந்த மது விற்பனை லாபம் அடுத்த ஆண்டு 52,000 கோடியாக உயரும் என அறிவித்துவிட்டு,
500 டாஸ்மாக் கடைகளை மூடுவதாக நாடகமாடுறிது திமுக!
— Shyam Krishnasamy (@DrShyamKK) June 22, 2023
The impact of this closure on the state’s revenue and the welfare of individuals involved in the liquor industry remains to be seen. The move reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to address the complex challenges associated with alcohol consumption and strike a balance between revenue generation and societal well-being.
It is also notable that recently Puthiya Tamilagam alleged ‘Mega TASMAC Scam’ worth ₹10,00,00,00,00,000; calls for total prohibition in Tamil Nadu.
(With inputs from Seithipunal)
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