Madurai: Welcoming the Tamil Nadu government's order to close 717 Tasmac liquor shops operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations, the Tamil Nadu Federation of Anti-Liquor Movement (TAFALIM) has urged the government to move the state towards complete prohibition.
Federation's Appeal for Social Well-being
In a statement, federation convenor C J Rajan highlighted that liquor shops and alcohol consumption are responsible for several issues in Tamil Nadu, including poverty, domestic violence, law and order problems, and accidents. He described the closure of 717 shops as a crucial step towards safeguarding social well-being.
Demands and Recommendations
Rajan urged the government to ensure that the closed shops are not relocated to other areas and to prevent the opening of illegal liquor shops in the future. He called for a gradual transition towards complete prohibition in Tamil Nadu, with planned actions to reduce the number of Tasmac shops. Additionally, he recommended that every primary health centre in the state establish alcohol and drug addiction recovery and rehabilitation centres to support those affected by alcohol addiction. The government should also expand awareness campaigns about prohibition, provide alternative social and sports opportunities for youth, and enhance family welfare programmes.
Employee Welfare
The federation also demanded that the government provide alternative jobs for more than 3,500 employees who would lose their livelihoods due to the closure of the 717 shops.
