Tamil Nadu examining possibility of privatising liquor sales, says Minister K Vignesh

CHENNAI: Minister for Prohibition and Excise K Vignesh on Monday said the state government is examining the possibility of privatising liquor sales.

Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, he said the government had not ruled out privatisation and was analysing its feasibility. “However privatisation alone cannot be considered a solution to all problems in the sector,” he said.

Further, Vignesh said the government is analysing its feasibility, while taking into account the circumstances that led former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to bring liquor sales under state control in 2003.

“When Jayalalithaa closed private liquor outlets in 2003 and took it under the control of the state government, the circumstances that prompted the decision must also be considered. Privatisation could lead to a monopoly or the formation of syndicates that might manipulate prices during tenders. There is also the possibility of illegal liquor sales. Therefore, privatisation alone cannot be considered a solution to all the issues,” he said.

The Minister said no sales target had been fixed for Deepavali. More than 960 employees had been issued show-cause notices seeking explanations for their participation in protests against the bottle-buying system across the State. “Four employees had also been suspended for closing shops that had already opened. Further action will be taken if their explanations are not satisfactory,” he added.

The Minister said that alternative staff would be deployed to ensure that liquor outlets functioned without disruption.