Tamil Nadu Liquor Outlets Flout Jaya's Orders, Sell in Black

Even as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has taken an initiative to restrict sale of liquor across the state, CNN-News18 investigation reveals that Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) employees are selling alcohol in black.

According to a government circular all state-owned liquor shops should down their shutters by 10 pm. But it has been found that liquor is openly available beyond the deadline at some of the TASMAC outlets. Moreover, at some of the TASMAC outlets liquor was being sold at a price higher than the printed rate.

Similar practice was also witnessed at Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) which is next to the IT corridor. A dark lane at OMR tucked away from the bright lights has a TASMAC shop openly selling liquor way past the deadline and that too in 'black'.

Trade union members claim that the black market of liquor is worth almost Rs 500 crore.TKS Elangovan, Spokesperson, DMK, said, "AIADMK's phased prohibition on liquor was an eyewash to win the elections. We demand a special enforcement force to curb this illegal practice and stern action against the culprits."