717 closed Tasmac outlets: TN Minister republishes list after MLAs’ demand

After demands from MLAs during the Assembly session, CHENNAI: Prohibition and Excise Minister K Vignesh on Thursday republished details of all 717 Tasmac outlets that had already been closed.

Key points

• Addressing reporters there, Vignesh remarked, During the Assembly session, a number of MLAs asked us to provide the list of the 717 closed shops again.
• The minister additionally stated some MLAs had demanded that Tasmac outlets (excluding the 717) be closed instead of being shifted to other locations.
• Asked regarding introducing new liquor brands, Vignesh stated, Consumers want more premium brands of beer and liquor.
• Under the existing system, a few individuals had been repeatedly securing the tenders.
• In our recent analysis, we discovered that whenever a shop was closed, the crowd shifted to neighbouring outlets.

Addressing reporters there, Vignesh remarked, "During the Assembly session, a number of MLAs asked us to provide the list of the 717 closed shops again. We had already posted the details, including the shop numbers and addresses, on social media. Nevertheless, numerous were unaware of it. Hence, we have published the list again."

For context, the minister additionally stated some MLAs had demanded that Tasmac outlets (excluding the 717) be closed instead of being shifted to other locations.

"In our recent analysis, we discovered that whenever a shop was closed, the crowd shifted to neighbouring outlets. In such situations, employees discovered it challenging to control the crowd. Therefore, we have decided to shift the outlets concerned instead of closing them down, " Vignesh remarked.

Responding to a question on allowing Tasmac bars to be set up within 100 metres of retail outlets, the minister remarked, "In a democratic country, everyone should secure an opportunity. Under the existing system, a few individuals had been repeatedly securing the tenders. That is why we decided to allow bars to be set up within 100 metres of the outlets. This will enable more individuals to participate in the bar tenders, " Vignesh stated.

Asked regarding introducing new liquor brands, Vignesh stated, "Consumers want more premium brands of beer and liquor. The process is under way and we will introduce more brands shortly."

On the matter of orders pertaining to ban on sale of 11 liquor brands manufactured by Enrica Enterprises Pvt Ltd in Poonamallee, Tiruvallur, and revoking it the after day, the minister noted, "The central administration directed Tasmac to stop the sale. We implemented the order immediately. Once we received the directions to reverse the ban, Tasmac revoked it. Hence, we have no role in this matter, " he stated.

In short, 717 closed Tasmac outlets: TN Minister republishes list after MLAs' demand is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.