Nearly all TASMAC bars across Tamil Nadu have continued to operate even after their licences expired on 30 June, with bar owners claiming that TASMAC headquarters verbally extended the licence period despite the absence of a formal notification, as reported in Times of India.
Tasmac bars challenge TVK govt, open without licence in an open defiant to prohibition minister @VigneshTvkCbe‘s orders. pic.twitter.com/UVUTZ0vHxP
— Venkadesan S (@venkad_toi) July 3, 2026
The development has sparked fresh questions after Excise and Prohibition Minister S. V. Ganesan recently stated that bars would remain closed until new tenders were finalised, adding that those serving liquor after the licence expiry would face police action.
Bars Continue Serving Customers
However, a visit to several TASMAC outlets in Chennai and Chengalpattu reportedly found that while police had shut bars attached to some outlets following licence expiry, many others continued to function.
At several locations, snack counters remained open and customers were reportedly served liquor inside bar premises.
At one outlet in Mogappair, a TASMAC bar was found operating normally with customers consuming liquor inside the premises. Similar scenes were reportedly observed at other outlets.
Bar Owners Allege Verbal Extension
Bar owners and representatives of building owners’ associations told The Times of India that TASMAC headquarters had verbally instructed them to continue operating until fresh tenders are finalised.
According to them, they were informed that the existing licence period had been extended even though no official government order had been issued.
Contradicts Minister’s Statement
The claims made by bar owners appear to contradict the minister’s public statement that bars would remain closed until the tender process is completed.
According to reports, TASMAC officials have maintained that the decision to keep bars closed was taken to ensure transparency in the tender process and to avoid allegations of favouritism.
When contacted by The Times of India, TASMAC Managing Director K. Nanthakumar reportedly declined to comment on the allegations.
Industry Raises Financial Concerns
Bar owners said shutting operations for an extended period would cause significant financial losses, particularly because licence fees have already been paid in full without any deduction for the closure period.
According to industry representatives, TASMAC bars contribute a significant share of the corporation’s revenue through sales commissions and related commercial activity.
They also pointed to the 2022 incident when bars reportedly operated without valid licences for several months, an episode that later prompted the state government to issue fresh licences retrospectively.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
