Natham R Viswanathan statement cheers liquor consumers

Chennai: A day after minister for prohibition and excise Natham R. Viswanathan clarified the state Assembly that liquor prohibition is not on state’s agenda, Tasmac employees and Tamil Nadu liquor consumers association have welcomed the minister announcement. “The minister has said that TN will implement liquor prohibition, only if the Centre brings a nationwide ban and this is good news for liquor consumers in the state and there are about 40 per cent of men consuming liquor in the state”, said Tamil Nadu Liquor Consumers Association general secretary Chellapandian Selvam.   

“We will not support any party that seeks liquor prohibition in TN, but we will campaign through our association if a political party accepts our basic demands,” he said. Pointing out that prior to 2003 less than 60,000 people consumed liquor and now more than 60 lakhs are consumers of Tasmac outlets he said there is a need for more regularization and streamlining of Tasmac outlets.

The government should bring liquor, under the food safety rules and there are has to be special wards at all government hospitals to treat liquor addicts. The government should also take steps to prevent adulteration of liquor, he added.