Chennai TASMAC liquor outlets to open from today: Details of rules, timings – Times Now

Chennai: After remaining closed for nearly five months, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) liquor shops in Chennai will open from Tuesday. The Tamil Nadu government had issued a notification saying that the liquor outlets will be allowed to operate from August 18 between 10 am and 7 pm. The binge outlets have remained closed ever since the first phase of lockdown was announced in March to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

TASMAC, the only retailer, which is authorised to sell Indian made foreign liquor in Tamil Nadu, said that only 500 tokens shall be issued per day to consumers. It is mandatory for the tipplers buying liquor to maintain social distanv=cing norms and follow all the rules related to coronavirus guidelines.

“All those visiting the liquor shops must compulsorily wear face masks and maintain social distancing,” TASMAC in its official release said.

However, the outlets falling in containment zones and malls will continue to remain closed.

Though liquor shops were allowed to open across the state from May 7, the Tamil Nadu administration had barred shops in Chennai and other suburban areas falling under the jurisdiction of Greater Chennai Police, to remain closed due to surge in COVID-19 cases.

Chennai continues to record the highest number of coronavirus cases in the state. 1,185 more persons were found to be infected with the deadly contagious virus on August 17, taking its total tally to 117,839.

Tamil Nadu on August 17 recorded 5,890 fresh coronavirus cases, taking its total tally to 343,945. 5,667 more patients were cured and discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the number to 283,937. At present, the southern state has 54,122 active cases. 120 COVID patients lost their lives on Monday, pushing the fatalities count to 5,886.