Tasmac faces bar licence crackdown and possible liquor price hike in Tamil Nadu

A social activist has urged the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) to enforce a Madras High Court order that bars attached to its outlets must operate only from premises with valid planning permission. The activist warned that many bars in Chennai operate from semi‑permanent structures lacking approvals, posing fire and stampede risks, and cautioned that renewing licences for such premises could lead to contempt proceedings.

At a Tasmac board meeting, officials discussed a uniform increase of Rs 10–Rs 50 per 120 ml bottle for ordinary, mid‑range and Indian‑made foreign liquor, as well as beer. The revision would be the first price change in over two years and aims to offset revenue loss after the closure of 717 retail outlets and recent levy increases on manufacturers. The board also examined simplifying bar‑licence tender requirements and the possibility of allowing private operators to sell liquor, though the finance department expressed concerns about revenue impact.