No decision yet on reopening Tasmac outlets, says govt

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:10.04.2020

The state government will take a call on consumers accessing liquor, including reopening Tasmac outlets for limited hours, only after there is clarity over any extension of the ongoing 21-day national lockdown.

Tasmac sources said the state government has not yet convened any meeting regarding public access to liquor on lines of other states during the lockdown period.

“Any decision on reopening liquor shops would be taken only when the final decision on extending the lockdown period is taken. Till then, the wine shops would remain closed,” a senior Tasmac official said.

While the excise department of the West Bengal government is contemplating home delivery of liquor for three hours every day, neighbouring Kerala had issued orders for supplying liquor to tipplers under prescription during the lockdown period.

However, the Kerala high court has stayed the state government’s decision to issue special passes to tipplers.

Asked about initiatives of other governments, Tamil Nadu government sources said the state’s excise department rules does not prohibit door delivery of liquor as the move does not require any amendments to the existing Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937.

“But, such actions are ruled out because our government may not allow door delivery. Still, the decision has to be taken at the highest level of the government as it also involves health aspects too,” the official added.

Any decision on reopening liquor shops would be taken only when the final decision on extending the lockdown period is taken. Till then, the wine shops would remain closed

Senior Tasmac Official