Following the TVK government’s recent directive to close 717 Tasmac outlets in sensitive areas across the State, 29 of the 108 shops currently operating in the Ramanathapuram district have been identified for closure.
Of them, four outlets – three in Ramanathapuram town and one in Nainarkovil – have been closed so far.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Tasmac employee trade unions, who highlight an inconsistency in the policy.
They argue that while retail shops are being closed, FL2 bars—which serve alcohol to club members within the same sensitive perimeters—remain unaffected by the government’s directive.
Trade unions alleged that the government’s initial step toward liquor reform is to inadvertently benefit private FL2 bars.
They argued that because these bars operate for longer hours - 11 am to 11 pm - than standard Tasmac outlets - 12 pm to 10 pm - they are poised to capture the business diverted by the closures.
By shutting down Tasmac outlets while exempting FL2 bars, the government is effectively funnelling the liquor’s trade into private hands.
However, the district Tasmac manager, said, they have earmarked close to 29 shops in the district which were found to be within 500 metres temples, educational institutions, bus stands, among others.
If any FL2 bar was found within the said limit, they would also be included in the list.
“But, the decision to close the outlets solely lies in the hands of senior officials who send us the list in a phased manner,” the official noted.
As and when they receive the outlets’ details, they would immediately remove the stocks from the outlets and shut the outlets instantly.
The staff working in the Tasmac outlets would be redeployed in other shops wherever possible, he said.
A worker with Tasmac whose shop was closed on Wednesday, said they have not received any instructions as to where they would be placed.
“We are confused about this order. We are instructed to wait until further instructions are given by the government,” the staff said.