BJP Mahila Morcha National President Vanathi Srinivasan welcomed Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s decision to close 717 TASMAC outlets near educational institutions and places of worship, while urging the Tamil Nadu government to revoke FL2 liquor licences issued to clubs and recreation centres.
Coimbatore:
BJP Mahila Morcha National President Vanathi Srinivasan has welcomed the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to shut down 717 TASMAC liquor outlets located near schools, colleges, and places of worship across the state.
In a statement, she thanked Chief Minister Joseph Vijay for issuing the order within days of assuming office and described the move as a significant step towards addressing concerns related to alcohol abuse and public safety.
Vanathi Srinivasan stated that the deterioration of law and order and the increasing prevalence of narcotic substances in recent years had adversely impacted the youth and contributed to growing social concerns. She alleged that the easy availability of liquor and drugs in residential and educational areas had affected the safety and well-being of women and children.
Emphasising the need for long-term reforms, she said Tamil Nadu should move progressively towards total prohibition through phased reduction of liquor outlets. According to her, the closure of 717 TASMAC shops marks an important beginning in that direction.
She further alleged that several liquor outlets previously removed from highways had later been shifted to interior roads, while illegal liquor sales continued to operate in various parts of the state.
Vanathi Srinivasan also criticised the issuance of FL2 liquor licences to recreation clubs and social centres during the previous administration, stating that such establishments were encouraging alcohol consumption among young people and contributing to social decline.
She urged the state government to immediately revoke FL2 liquor licences issued to clubs and recreation centres in the interest of public welfare. She also called on the Tamil Nadu government to release a white paper detailing the number of TASMAC outlets operating in the state, their revenue generation, and liquor procurement practices.