CHENNAI: The state govt has amended the rules governing liquor retail vending shops and bars, allowing bars attached to Tasmac outlets to operate either adjoining the shop or within 100 metres of it. Under the revised rules, private parties will be permitted to run bars through a tender process.The amendments, notified last week, state that the Tasmac board, with the prior approval of the commissioner of prohibition and excise, will decide the upset price or upset percentage and other tender conditions. Tasmac managing director, or any other officer of the corporation duly authorised by him, shall be the authority competent to grant authorisation to the successful tenderer to run the bar,” a notification said. Tasmac has recently extended bar-operation licences across the state by two months.The tender amount collected from bar operators will have to be remitted to the govt by the 25th of the following month. Tasmac may retain one per cent of the amount as agency commission.The amended rules bar the location of liquor outlets within 50 metres of places of worship and educational institutions in corporations and municipalities, and within 100 metres in other areas. However, the restriction will not apply to areas classified as commercial or industrial by development or town-planning authorities.Bars cannot be established on hotel premises or in tribal areas covered by the Integrated Tribal Development Project. The restriction also applies to hill areas covered under the Hill Area Development Project in Vellore, Salem, Namakkal, Dindigul, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. Tasmac shops and bars will remain open from noon to 10pm daily.The rules reiterate that liquor cannot be sold to anyone below 21 years of age. People under 21 will also not be permitted to enter or consume liquor in bars, or work in shops and bars. Sellers may seek govt-issued proof of age if there is any doubt.Tasmac shops and bars must display signboards in Tamil containing details of their authorisation. Retail shops must also display liquor prices. The signboards must carry the warnings, in Tamil and English: “Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health” and “Be safe – don’t drink and drive.”The govt has replaced the earlier formats for licences, authorisations, sales bills, daily stock reports, sale transaction reports and inspection books with revised forms.
