TN: BJP’s TASMAC White Paper Calls For 75% Reduction In Alcohol Manufacturing And Distribution Over 3 Years

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K Annamalai recently submitted a white paper to Governor RN Ravi regarding reducing the number of TASMAC liquor outlets in the state, as stated in the aftermath of the recent hooch tragedy in Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts, in which over 20 people lost their lives.

He had then stated that out of the 5400 existing shops, around 80 per cent could be shut down over a period of 3 years and alternatives could be found to manage the state's revenue.

Regarding the extent of the problem of spurious liquor, he wrote in the white paper, "The fact that TASMAC has been unable to curb clandestine production of hooch and illicit liquor is brought out by the statement of the Former Tamil Nadu DGP Thiru Sylendra Babu, that 1,40,649 cases were registered in connection with spurious liquor in 2022 alone in Tamil Nadu."

The white paper targets a 75 per cent reduction in alcohol manufacturing and distribution over three years and calls for phased prohibition.

Some of the measures suggested on the supply side are-

• limiting the quantity of liquor purchased by TASMAC over time

• closure of bars

• restricting the number of hours for sale

• indirect mechanisms like licensing restrictions, production quotas, and tax adjustments

On the demand side, the important suggestions are creating increased public awareness and rehabilitation of alcoholics.

It also lists some 'immediate actionables', which are as follows-

1. Declaring 45 days during the holy Tamil months of Karthigai and Margazhi as dry days,

2. Reducing the operational hours of TASMAC outlets to 2.00PM to 7.00PM,

3. Ensuring availability of light liquor such as 46 listed brands of beer, vis-a-vis, the more harmful hard liquor;

4. Providing a Customer Identification Number (CIN) that enables monitoring of drinking patterns and identifying the most vulnerable groups that would serve as data to plan out the rehabilitation programmes

Phased Prohibition Plan- Simultaneous Reduction In Liquor Procured By TASMAC And Closure Of Bars And Outlets

The phased prohibition plan calls for a simultaneous reduction in the amount of liquor procured by TASMAC from distilleries (some of which are allegedly owned by people close to DMK leaders), and the number of outlets.

It states that in the first year of the implementation of this policy, TASMAC should reduce its liquor purchase from the distilleries to 80 per cent of its current purchases.

The next year, it should purchase 55 per cent and in the third year, it should purchase 30 per cent. In the fourth year, the figure could reach 25 per cent and thus meet the target of reducing alcohol manufacturing and distribution by 75 per cent.

The yearly reduction in the number of outlets would mirror the percentage of reduction in purchases from distilleries, says the white paper.

Along with the reduction in the number of outlets, it states that the bars associated with the shops must be closed in order to deter people who do not have private places to consume alcohol as most drinkers have been found to be consuming liquor in these bars soon after purchase from the TASMAC outlet.

It adds that the goal is to bring both the supply and demand down to 25 per cent of the current levels.

Regarding the process to be undertaken, it states that adequate care must be taken about the criteria for closure (like location, compliance records,profitability and impact on community), with constant monitoring, skill training for employees who would lose jobs and providing time for bar and shop owners to switch to alternate businesses.

Yearly Increase In Number Of Dry Days

The white paper proposes the concept of a gradual increase of the number of dry days from one to four over a period of three years in order to make people reduce and plan their alcohol consumption.

Reducing The Number Of Hours Of Sale

While the current operating hours of TASMAC outlets are 12 PM to 10 PM, it should be reduced to 7 PM, states the white paper.

"This reduction in operating hours would facilitate improved monitoring and regulation of the ban on alcohol, while also mitigating the disturbances and public nuisance that often occur outside these shops during nighttime hours.

"By reducing the operating hours, the government can exercise greater control over the sale and distribution of alcohol. This measure would enable authorities to allocate sufficient resources and personnel during the operating hours to enforce compliance with regulations and ensure the responsible sale of alcohol."

Large Warning Labels And Messaging

It suggests large graphic warning labels on bottles like those found on cigarette packets and cites studies from the US and Canada, which showed a reduction in the number of smokers after the introduction of such labels.

Regarding the messaging on signboards outside outlets, it suggests that the text should have a sentence regarding the impact on the family because it is likely to be more effective than the current text with a focus on drunk driving.

Strengthening Law Enforcement

Anticipating that the phased prohibition plan could lead to an increase in illicit liquor, the white paper suggests strengthening of the existing Prohibition and Enforcement Wing (PEW) so that it is able to tackle the issue better.

Among the measures suggested are increased staffing, operational synergy with other departments like revenue, excise, police, use of surveillance technology etc.

At a higher level, it suggests a state advisory committee consisting of officials from various departments like health, revenue, police, etc with the minister of Excise and Prohibition as the chairperson.

Placing importance on the role of the community, it suggests that two members of a Self Help Group can be appointed per ward for providing information to law enforcement agencies and creating awareness among people.

Rehabilitation

Arguing for the importance of a comprehensive statewide rehabilitation programme that also takes care of the family, the white paper proposes a 200-bed rehabilitation centre in each of the 312 talukas of the state and a monthly support of Rs 15000 to the family of the person undergoing rehabilitation.

A quick response team and a counsellor in every Primary Health Centre has also been suggested.

It considers that the average period of rehabilitation would be 45 days and so over a period of three years, 14,97,600 people would be rehabilitated.

It estimates the livelihood compensation of Rs 15000 per month to amount to Rs 3369.60 crore over three years and proposes funding it with the anti-alcohol cess, earmarking a portion of the National Health Mission's grant for Tamil Nadu and other sources like partnerships with international organisations.

Alongwith the rehabilitation programme, it also proposes skilling under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana.

The remainder of the white paper contains sections like case studies of the adverse impact of alcoholism on families, recent incidents, an overview of recommendations by other committees on prohibition, issues in TASMAC like corruption, politics, problems of employees, financial impact etc.

It also suggests the creation of a Rs 1 lakh crore toddy industry.

We shall have a look at what the white paper says regarding the impact of the alleged nexus between distilleries owned by politicians and TASMAC as in the aftermath of the hooch tragedy, Annamalai had also said that the DMK government does not want to close down TASMAC shops because its leaders own distilleries that supply liquor to them.

It states that of the 11 distilleries from which TASMAC sources its supplies, some are allegedly owned by those close to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), such as Golden Vats (said to be close to DMK MP TR Baalu), SNJ Distilleries (said to be close to the DMK first family), KALS Distilleries (said to be close to Sharad Reddy of Kalaignar TV) and Elite Distilleries, which is owned by DMK MP S Jagatrakshakan.

Some of the negative consequences of the nexus as stated by the white paper are as follows-

Lack of quality checks

As the distilleries are owned by the politicians, TASMAC officials are hesitant to undertake quality checks. This has led to complaints of adulterated liquor. The Madras High Court had ordered checks after a petitioner stated that the liquor sold by TASMAC contained 'toxic substances'.

Beer Fixing- Lack of Variety For Consumers

Regarding the brands of beer available to consumers, it says that while there are 46 brands, only 4-5 like SNJ 10000 and British Empire (also owned by SNJ) are usually available.

Further, it states that this suggests a form of monopolistic control which is acheived by bribing TASMAC staff, who then help these companies by giving them information about orders in advance and by delaying the unloading of other brands.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu: 'DMK Government Does Not Want To Close Down TASMAC Shops Because Its Leaders Own Distilleries That Supply Liquor To Them', Says Annamalai