Annamalai asks TN CM to close 129 Tasmac shops violating 500m norm

K. Annamalai, founder of the 'We the Leaders' organisation, has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, urging the closure of 129 Tasmac retail outlets that continue to function within a 500-metre radius of educational institutions, places of worship, and bus stations across the state.

In his letter, Annamalai drew attention to a government announcement dated May 12, under which 717 Tasmac shops identified as being too close to such sensitive locations were ordered to be shut. He said his organisation decided to independently verify whether the list drawn up by the authorities was exhaustive.

"We conducted a dipstick study to ascertain whether there were indeed only 717 Tasmac shops within the specified radius. We found 10 shops operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations. Therefore, we decided to expand our study across Tamil Nadu and opened a form for public participation," Annamalai explained in the letter.

He further stated that after receiving inputs from citizens and verifying the information, the organisation compiled a list of 129 Tasmac retail outlets that still remain in violation of the distance norms. The list has been enclosed with the letter for the Chief Minister's perusal.

The distance rule, aimed at curbing easy access to alcohol in areas frequented by large numbers of people, especially minors, was part of a broader policy to regulate liquor sales in the state. Schools, colleges, temples, mosques, churches, and bus stands are covered under the rule. Tasmac, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, operates the largest network of liquor retail outlets in the country, and its shops are often located in dense urban and rural areas.

The proximity of liquor shops to educational institutions has been a persistent concern for parents and civic bodies, as it increases the risk of underage access and creates an unhealthy environment. Similarly, places of worship and bus terminals see heavy footfall, making the presence of liquor shops particularly contentious.

Annamalai's appeal highlights potential gaps in the implementation of the earlier closure order. While the government had identified 717 shops, the organisation's findings suggest that many more outlets may still be operating in violation. The verification process, according to Annamalai, involved local residents who shared information about liquor shops in their neighbourhoods. The organisation then cross-checked the data before finalising the list.

Annamalai, a former IPS officer and now a prominent public figure in Tamil Nadu, has been vocal about issues of governance and public health. The 'We the Leaders' organisation describes itself as a citizen's movement aimed at bringing social change. This is not the first time that civic groups have raised concerns about the placement of liquor shops, but the scale of the current request and the involvement of a well-known organisation may prompt a review by the state government.

The May 12 announcement was part of a phased approach to reduce the number of liquor outlets near residential and sensitive zones. The government had pledged to complete the closures within a designated timeline. According to a recent report, while many shops have been shut, some continue to operate due to pending legal cases or lack of alternative locations. This is where the new list from Annamalai's organisation assumes significance, as it suggests that compliance is still incomplete.

Neither the Chief Minister's office nor Tasmac authorities have issued an official response to the letter so far. The government is expected to examine the list and decide on the next course of action. In the past, similar requests have led to relocations of shops, but the process often takes time due to legal and administrative hurdles.

The issue also touches on the larger debate around liquor policy in Tamil Nadu. While there are demands for prohibition, the state earns substantial revenue from the sale of alcohol. Any move to relocate shops also involves logistical and commercial considerations. However, the enforcement of the 500-metre rule is a legal obligation, and advocacy groups are likely to follow up to ensure compliance.