‘No change in Tasmac outlets’ timings’: Tamil Nadu excise minister does a U-turn
The latest statement comes after minister S Muthusamy’s remark on Monday that the government was exploring the option to keep the state-run liquor stores open in the morning. Tasmac outlets currently function from noon to 10 pm.
3 min read
The Tasmac outlets currently function from noon to 10 pm. (Express Photo) Tamil Nadu Minister for Housing and Urban Development S Muthusamy, who is additionally holding the portfolio of Prohibition, Excise, Wednesday announced that there would not be any change in the timings of the state-run Tasmac retail liquor shop timings.
The Tasmac outlets currently function from noon to 10 pm.
The latest statement comes after the minister’s remark on Monday that the government was exploring the option to keep the liquor stores open in the morning following requests from the workers.
The minister on Monday said that the government was planning morning timings for Tasmac outlets, and also starting 90 ml tetra liquor packs. (Express Photo)
Muthusamy told reporters in Chennai that without understanding his full statement, a few had taken a portion of his speech for their own benefit and are criticising the government.
“There will be no change in Tasmac timings. It will continue to function from noon to 10 pm. The other day I explained the challenges we are facing and how some people are going in search of illegal liquor during the morning time when the shops are closed. I made a statement based on the requests of the workers. Some people have even passed comments asking if the government is planning to keep the shops open 24×7,” he said.
The minister on Monday said that the government was planning morning timings for Tasmac outlets, and also starting 90 ml tetra liquor packs.
Opposition parties, including All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), have come down heavily on the plans to change the timings. They dubbed the government proposal to alter the timings as “a move to encourage alcohol consumption”, especially at a time when there are requests to implement total liquor prohibition in the state.
On the government’s plan to introduce liquor in tetra packs, the minister said discussions are on with stakeholders, including organisations of the Tasmac workers, government officials, etc. He added that the motive behind the introduction of tetra packs is not done to generate profit but to reduce the nuisance caused due to dumping of liquor bottles on roads, farmlands, etc.
He said there are also plans to start anti-liquor awareness programmes near Tasmac stores and also set up CCTV cameras in the stores.
You May Like
Photos
