Chennai, June 23: A day after MK Stalin's government ordered the closure of 500 liquor shops across Tamil Nadu, political parties in the state want to enforce the total prohibition on alcohol. The move comes as a fulfilment of its poll promise of moving towards a phased prohibition. Welcoming the decision, several state parties, including MDMK and Tamil Maanila, among others, urged the state government to implement total prohibition.

According to a report by the Times of India, MDMK leader Vaiko welcomed the decision to close alcohol shops in the state. Vaiko, in a statement, said, "I welcome the decision of the state government to shut down 500 of the 5,329 shops in the state. However, our aim is total prohibition, and I urge the state government to shut down all the liquor shops in a phased manner."

Tamil Maanila Congress leader G K Vasan also urged MK Stalin-led government to call for total prohibition. “One of the poll promises of the DMK was to make Tamil Nadu liquor-free. But once in power, it sought to reap the financial benefits of liquor sales,” Vasan said in a statement. TASMAC Liquor Shops To Be Shut in Tamil Nadu: Authorities To Close Down 500 Outlets Selling Alcohol From June 22.

Apart from these, veteran actor and MNM president Kamal Haasan welcomed the decision to shut down the liquor stores. He, however, demanded rehabilitation centres in every taluk to treat those addicted to alcohol. Chennai Rains Today Photos and Videos: Heavy Downpour Accompanied With Thunderstorm Lashes Tamil Nadu City, Brings Respite From Scorching Heat.

On April 12, the DMK-led state government announced in the assembly that 500 liquor shops would be closed this year. The government has decided to close liquor outlets based on low sales, clustering of shops, proximity to religious places and educational institutions, objections from the public or property owners, and shops involved in court cases. It must be noted that the sale of liquor accounts for whopping 40,000 crore revenue for Tamil Nadu. With the Goods and Services Tax taking away the powers of the states to levy tax, the state has been depending on liquor revenue to fund key projects.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2023 09:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).