Tamil Nadu Enforces Stricter Liquor Laws to Combat Underage Drinking

The Tamil Nadu government is taking decisive steps to curb the growing problem of underage drinking. Reinforcing the legal age of 21 for purchasing and consuming liquor, authorities have announced the closure of 717 liquor outlets across the state.

This move aims to restrict access to alcohol for minors and involves shutting down 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stations. TASMAC, the state agency holding a monopoly on liquor sales, is also instructed to enforce stricter ID checks.

Officials are contemplating a reduction in liquor shop operational hours, currently from noon to 10 pm, with plans to close by 8 pm to further control consumption. This year, the state's liquor revenue was a substantial Rs 48,344 crore, the second-highest revenue after the registration department.

(With inputs from agencies.)