Actor-Politician Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government has reinforced the legal drinking age of 21 on Thursday, while directing officials to ensure stricter compliance across liquor outlets across the state.
The directive comes days after the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ordered to shut down 717 liquor outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), marking one of its major policy interventions, with the goal to promote public welfare and curbing easy access to alcohol.
Age to be verified strictly at liquor outlets
Officials aware of the development said that all TASMAC staff have been ordered to rigorously verify the age of the customers before selling liquor to them. In dubious cases, the customers will be required to produce a valid identity proof, including Aadhaar cards, to confirm they fall under the legal drinking age.
The TVK remains hopeful of strengthening enforcement mechanisms with the move, which have often been criticised in the past for lax implementation.
Shorter operating hours being mulled
Additionally, the government is also exploring a proposal to reduce the operating hours of the liquor shops. At present, the TASMAC outlets remain functional from 12 pm to 10 pm. Senior officials hinted that the administration is considering advancing the closing time to 8 pm, a step that could further limit access to alcohol and prevent its excessive consumption.
A TASMAC outlet in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin
Hundreds of shops located in public spaces to be shut soon
The enforcement drive comes after a sweeping decision to shut down 717 TASMAC outlets which were located within 500 metres of sensitive public areas like temples, educational institutions and bus stands. Authorities have been tasked with completing the closure process within two weeks, signaling the government’s urgency in implementing the reforms.
Despite the regulatory push, liquor sales remain a crucial source of revenue for Tamil Nadu, as TASMAC posted sales worth Rs 48.34 crore in the bygone year. With the figures, it emerged as the state’s second-highest revenue-generating department after registrations.