Chennai: The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced the reopening of TASMAC shops in the state in the remaining 27 districts except 11 districts where the disease is still raging.
TASMAC opened yesterday and sold liquor for Rs 164.87 crore in a single day. Madurai district recorded the highest sale of liquor of Rs 49.54 crore, followed by Chennai (Rs 42.96 crore) and Salem to (Rs 38.72 crore). TASMAC has also not been opened in some districts. If the whole of Tamil Nadu opens, TASMAC is likely to make a new history. Despite the historic collections made, there are constant voices heard against the decision of opening up liquor shops in the state amidst sprawling Covid.
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Explaining the decision of reopening TASMAC in the wake of various criticisms, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, "Permission has been granted to open TASMAC shops amid various criticisms. TASMAC shops have been allowed to open so that fake liquor and illicit liquor do not go out of control. If restrictions are violated in TASMAC shops, relaxations will be withdrawn."
Despite Stalin’s explanations, PMK founder Dr Ramadoss came down heavily on the CM saying opening bars to control illicit liquor sale shows the government’s failure.
The Minister for Commercial Taxes & Registration, P Moorthy said that the previous regime had left the economy in doldrums and the ruling government have the onus on them to bring it back on track. Opening wine shops is one of the ways to mend the frayed economy.