Chennai, Apr 17:
Ahead of the Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has ordered the closure of TASMAC liquor shops across Tamil Nadu for four days to ensure a free and fair polling process.
As per the directive, all TASMAC outlets and bars will remain closed on April 21, 22, and 23, coinciding with the polling scheduled on April 23. Liquor shops will also be shut on the vote counting day in May. The ban will be enforced from 10 AM on April 21 until midnight on April 23, with strict instructions issued by the Prohibition and Excise Department to prevent illegal sale or storage of alcohol.
Meanwhile, April 23 has been declared a public holiday across the state to encourage voter turnout. Government offices, private establishments, factories, and IT firms have been directed to grant leave to employees, with officials warning of strict action against those violating the order.