Chennai, July 7:
Bringing temporary relief and ending uncertainty for bar operators, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has decided to extend the operation of bars attached to its retail outlets by two more months, pending the completion of the process to award fresh licences.
According to senior officials, the decision was taken to ensure continuity of operations while the corporation initiates and completes the tender process for selecting new bar operators across the State.
Sources said the decision was finalised at a meeting of the Tasmac Board held at the Secretariat on Monday. Representatives of the Tasmac Bar Owners’ Association confirmed that the extension would allow sufficient time for inviting fresh tenders and finalising eligible applicants.
“The administration has granted a two-month extension to facilitate the issuance of fresh tenders and the selection of qualified operators,” Association members said.
The existing licences were originally issued in 2024 during the previous DMK regime for a period of two years. However, the corporation was unable to float fresh tenders before their expiry due to the Assembly elections and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
After the licences expired in January this year, an initial six-month extension was granted, which ended on June 30. With the formation of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, steps have now been initiated to invite fresh tenders.
The Bar Owners’ Association had earlier urged the authorities to grant a three-month extension, citing the livelihood concerns of thousands of workers dependent on Tasmac bars.
Meanwhile, sources indicated that the government is also considering measures to revamp the corporation, including regularisation of employees and stricter enforcement against the collection of amounts above the maximum retail price for liquor.