19 Tasmac shops shut in Madurai, bar sealed

Madurai: Nineteen Tasmac shops operating in Madurai district were closed on Friday in the first phase of action after 50 outlets were identified near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands in a survey ordered by chief minister C Joseph Vijay. Thirteen of the 19 Tasmac shops closed were in Madurai South and the remaining in Madurai North.The district administration also sealed a bar attached to a Tasmac shop at Tatthaneri after violations were detected during a surprise inspection. The inspection was conducted jointly by the excise department and Tasmac officials. They found that liquor was being sold illegally at the bar and that food items were being prepared using a gas cylinder without permission. The inspection also revealed that safety and hygiene norms were not being properly followed. Following the inspection, the bar was immediately sealed, and legal action taken against those involved. Madurai district administration said stringent action will be taken without any leniency against bars found operating in violation of rules, and that surprise inspections will continue to ensure public welfare and law and order.