COIMBATORE: With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force, Tasmac has been instructed to avoid bulk liquor sales to customers as there is no proper monitoring over bulk sales in FL2 bars.
While supervisors of Tasmac outlets have been ordered to adhere to the MCC with regard to sales and maintaining stocks at shops, FL2 bars such as private recreational bars function from 11 am to 11 pm and are found violating the sales limitation.
As per the instructions issued to Tasmac outlets, supervisors have been told not to sell liquor beyond the permissible limit — 4.5 litres for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and Imported Foreign Liquor (IMF), 7.8 litres for beer and 9 litres for wine — per customer.
Tasmac outlets have also been mandated to maintain liquor stock, not exceeding 50% of its sales, till the election. If the sale goes beyond 30% from the average sale of a Tasmac outlet, the concerned supervisor of the outlet must provide an explanation in writing. However, FL2 bars are found violating these norms.
"Based on the route-chart, liquor is supplied to Tasmac outlets from warehouses. The vehicle contractor delivers liquor bottles based on requirement twice per week. However, FL2 bars can purchase liquor daily, based on their requirements, directly from the warehouse. As FL2 bars are run by persons with political backgrounds, there is unlimited liquor supply despite the implementation of MCC. Customers are seen purchasing huge quantities of liquor from such bars. Excise department officials are responsible for checking extra sales and stock in FL2 bars, but they do not conduct proper audits as they are bribed," said a Tasmac union functionary.
When TNIE visited a few FL2 bars in Coimbatore, there was no restriction on sales. Bars were ready to provide liquor as per the demand by customers.
Despite repeated attempts, P Murugesan, deputy commissioner of Prohibition and Excise Department, which controls over 80 bars in Coimbatore district, was not available for a comment.
When contacted, District Election Officer and Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar said, "Excise officials are monitoring FL2 shops regularly. Three teams led by tahsildar-rank officials are conducting regular inspections across the district."