Tamil Nadu Weighs Privatising TASMAC Outlets in Municipal and Corporation Areas: Sources

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government in Tamil Nadu is reportedly examining a proposal to privatise Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) liquor outlets located in municipal corporations and municipalities, according to sources. The move would represent the state's first significant step towards private participation in liquor retail since 2003, when the then AIADMK administration brought alcohol sales under the exclusive control of the state-run TASMAC.

The proposal comes at a time when the functioning of TASMAC outlets has been under increased public and judicial scrutiny, with the government introducing several measures aimed at improving accountability. In line with directions issued by the Madras High Court, the state recently revised disciplinary rules for TASMAC employees. Under the new regulations, staff found selling liquor above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) will face strict disciplinary action, with repeated violations leading to permanent dismissal from service.

Resistance to new liquor establishments has also been growing in several parts of Tamil Nadu. On July 22, residents from six villages in Ramanathapuram district staged a protest and submitted a memorandum to the District Collector opposing plans to open a private liquor bar under the "Manamagizh Mandram" initiative in the Pamban tourist region.

The protesters argued that such an outlet could negatively affect public safety, especially for women, children and students, while also increasing the risk of law and order issues. They further claimed that a liquor bar in the area would undermine the religious significance of nearby Rameswaram, one of India's most important pilgrimage destinations visited by devotees from across the country. Following the protest, Ramanathapuram District Collector Sivaguru Prabhakaran assured residents that their concerns would be carefully reviewed before any decision is made.