CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), an entity under the Tamil Nadu government, has taken the decision to close a total of 500 liquor shops starting from 22nd June. This move is in accordance with a Government Order (GO) that was previously issued. The GO was authorized by V Senthil Balaji, who was a minister from the DMK party before his recent arrest on money laundering charges. It's important to note that Minister Balaji was holding the Excise portfolio in April this year when he issued the order.

As of 31st March 2023, Tamil Nadu had a total of 5,329 retail liquor outlets across the state. Minister Balaji had already mentioned in the state Assembly on 12th April that out of these outlets, 500 would be identified and shut down.

TASMAC has recalled the Assembly announcement made at that time, stating that it was done "on the directions of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin." Furthermore, a Government Order (GO) was issued on 20th April 2023 to implement the decision.

Unfortunately, Minister V Senthil Balaji, who made the announcement in April, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on money laundering charges. On top of that, he recently underwent a cardiac surgery.

The Government Order focuses on the identification and closure of 500 retail liquor outlets. It has been directed to identify these outlets across the state and close them from 22nd June 2023 onwards.

In line with this directive, TASMAC released a statement clarifying that the aforementioned 500 retail outlets will not be operational from 22nd June. 

TASMAC is responsible for managing an alcoholic beverages retail chain in the state of Tamil Nadu.  The decision taken by the Tamil Nadu government has received appreciation from the opposition party, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). The PMK has long advocated for a dry state and has urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to implement prohibition in Tamil Nadu. They have also called for a time-bound closure of the remaining liquor shops.

Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, the president of PMK and a member of the Rajya Sabha, expressed his support for the closure of 500 shops, stating, "Although delayed, this is welcome. The Chief Minister had promised the phased implementation of prohibition, and this closure of 500 shops should be the start of that journey." He conveyed this message through a tweet.

In a separate development, Delhi's customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) recently destroyed 1,289 units of liquor bottles and 51.68 kg of drugs. This action has led to witty responses from people who expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity to resell the items.

The customs officials stated, "Delhi Airport Customs disposed of 1,289 units of liquor bottles of different brands, which were categorized as Lost Property/Detained goods at Terminal-3, IGI Airport, New Delhi. The disposal took place on 19th June 2023."

It will be interesting to observe the outcomes of this decision and how it shapes the future of alcohol consumption and policies in Tamil Nadu.