TN Excise Minster Says No Change In Working Hours Of Tasmac Liquor Outlets

The Minister said that the aim of the government was to reduce alcohol consumption due to which they closed 500 outlets. 

Tamil Nadu Excise Minister S Muthusamy on Wednesday said that there was no change in the daily working hours of state-run retail liquor outlets. The Minister said that shops will function from noon till 10 PM as usual. Earlier, Minister Muthusamy said that discussions were underway to change the working hours of Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The Minister also met representation of workers, daily wage earners to consider opening shops from 7 AM to 9 AM on July 10. 

After the meeting between Minister and the workers, people started making sharp criticisms against increasing the working hours of  Tasmac. The Minister said, "I am making it categorical. There is no idea at all to change the working hours of TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) outlets; it will be open from noon to 10 PM."

During the press conference, the Minister as per The New Indian Express said that none should go to the wrong places when Tasmac shops are closed.

Tasmac workers are also facing multiple issues including shop rent and other expenditures, he said adding that they were taking steps to solve the issue.

On introducing liquor in tetra pak (plasticised cartons) packaging and making 90 ml liquor available in such cartons, he said, "A decision would be taken by the government after studying feedback from stakeholders and following a complete analysis of the current system of selling liquor in glass bottles and the proposals to use tetra pak to avoid damage and tackle other practical issues."

The Minister said that the aim of the government was to reduce alcohol consumption due to which he closed 500 outlets. 

He also said that action would be taken against employees who sought additional prices for the liquor.