Bench queries TASMAC on reduction of bars’ closing time

Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has been asked by the Madras High Court that whether the liquor sale timings in retail outlets in Tamil Nadu could be reduced by half an hour before their scheduled closing time.

This query by the Madras High Court was in response to a PIL which sought orders to prevent liquor consumption in open places following closure of bars at 10 pm.

The TASMAC counsel was directed by the bench to take instructions from the state government and report back.

The management of TASMAC informed that it had sent a proposal to the state government, where it sought extension of bar timings in Tamil Nadu by half an hour beyond 10 pm. The proposal is pending consideration.