The Tamil Nadu government is actively considering a proposal to raise the legal drinking age to 21, a significant policy shift aimed at curbing substance abuse across the state. This discussion follows a pledge made by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to intensify efforts against drug abuse.
Age Verification at Tasmac Outlets
Under the potential new regulations, all Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) liquor retail outlets could be mandated to verify the age of customers before any sale. Sources indicate that identification, such as an Aadhaar card or a driving license, may become a prerequisite for purchasing alcohol.
If implemented, Tamil Nadu would join several other Indian states with similar or even stricter age restrictions. Maharashtra, for instance, sets the legal age for hard liquor at 25, though beer and wine are permitted from 21. Kerala maintains a legal drinking age of 23, while Punjab, Chandigarh, and Meghalaya all enforce a 25-year age limit for alcohol consumption.
Broader Crackdown on Liquor Sales
This proposed change is part of a broader initiative by the new government to regulate alcohol availability. Recently, Chief Minister Vijay ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops within two weeks. These outlets were identified as operating within a 500-meter radius of sensitive locations, including places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands.
- 276 shops near religious sites
- 186 shops near educational institutions
- 255 shops near bus stands
Tamil Nadu currently operates a total of 4,765 Tasmac liquor retail outlets. The government stated that this measure is undertaken in consideration of public welfare, with plans to monitor potential overcrowding at nearby shops following these closures.
CM Vijay's Recent Inauguration
Chief Minister Joseph Vijay assumed office recently, taking his oath at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. His administration marks the first coalition government in Tamil Nadu's history, formed with the support of the Congress, VCK, Left parties, and the Muslim League.