The Tamil Nadu Government on Friday, 15 May, has issued an order on reopening of government-run TASMAC (liquor) shops from 16 May from 10am till 5pm in the state, except Chennai, Thiruvallur, malls and containment zones.
The token system needs to be followed; only 500 tokens will be issued per day. All those who come to buy liquor must wear face-masks and follow social distancing norms.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court issued a stay order on the Madras High Court order directing shutting of all liquor shops in Tamil Nadu.
The Madras High Court on Friday, 8 May, had ordered the closure of all state-run TASMAC liquor shops in the state and permitted only online sale of liquor.
The order comes after social distancing guidelines were violated when the shops were reopened. The maximum retail price (MRP) was also increased.
MK Stalin, President of the opposition party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, had held black flags protesting against the government's decision to reopen the liquor shops.
Similarly, women in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Chennai too had protested.
There are over 5,300 liquor outlets contributing about Rs 30,000 crore of tax revenue to the state exchequer.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam party had filed a petition. Others who filed petitions include lawyer B Ramkumar Adityan and former IPS officer AG Maurya.
Actor Rajinikanth too had tweeted, criticising the state government that they should find other good ways to fill its coffers.
Rajinikanth also noted that the AIADMK government can forget coming back to power if it reopens the liquor shops.
“If the state reopens the TASMAC at this time, it must forget the dream of coming back to power again. Please #find_good_ways_to_fill_your_treasury,” he tweeted.
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