2,400 TASMAC bars in Tamil Nadu shut, operations halted after licences expire
Tamil Nadu: Approximately 2,400 bars associated with state-run TASMAC liquor stores have been closed since Wednesday. This decision was taken after their licenses expired. Following the new situation regarding liquor sales and bar operations in the state, discussions have begun at the administrative level, and another important meeting is expected on Thursday (July 2) on the issue.
TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) operates a total of 4,765 liquor stores across the state. Private operators were licensed to operate bars at approximately 2,400 of these stores. The two-year contracts for these bars had already expired, but were temporarily extended until June 30 due to the assembly elections. However, this period also expired on Tuesday, forcing the closure of all associated bars.
Confusion remains regarding the situation following the license expiration. Meanwhile, the TASMAC administration has clarified that all bars have been ordered closed until further decisions are made. This has affected liquor sales and bar operations in many parts of the state.
According to sources, the TASMAC administration is now working on a new contract and tender process. The government aims to make this system more transparent and competitive, thereby increasing revenue. To this end, increasing the bid amount and changing the rules regarding bar location are being considered.
Officials say that the process of finalizing the new tender conditions is underway. This is to ensure greater competition, thereby generating more revenue for the government. They are also looking at how to streamline and regulate bar operation rules.
Meanwhile, when news emerged that the license period might be extended again, the TASMAC administration issued clear instructions, ordering all bars to remain closed with immediate effect. The administration has stated that the next decision will be made only after a formal review and meeting.
A meeting is now expected to be held on Thursday (July 2nd) with bar owners, TASMAC management, and other stakeholders to discuss the entire issue. This meeting will discuss future policy, license renewals, and new tender rules in detail.
Sources say that only after this meeting will a decision be made whether bars in the state will reopen or operate under an entirely new tender system. The government has indicated that this time the rules may be more stringent and transparent.
The sudden closure of bars in the state is having an impact on many districts. Hotel and tourism businesses are also expected to be indirectly affected. However, the administration maintains that this is a temporary situation and clear guidelines will be issued soon.
All eyes are currently on the meeting on Thursday, where a final decision on this issue may be reached.
