TN govt urged to take cue from Kerala in anti-liquor drive

Chennai: Lauding Kerala for its drive against liquor, Pattali Makkal Matchi (PMK) Thursday asked Tamil Nadu government to take a cue and go in for phased or complete prohibition in the state.

Party founder S Ramadoss, citing Kerala government statistics, said since the closing down of 418 liquor bars in that state, there has been a dip in incidents of drunken driving and crimes against women and children, among others.

It was widely being expected that Kerala could implement prohibition in its state by 2016 and such a move would usher in healthy and happy conditions, he said in a statement.

"But Tamil Nadu government is declining to close down bars and retail outlets selling liquor and is further opening up new ones like Elite Bar and exclusive beer outlets," he said.

Ramadoss, a strong votary of prohibition in the state where government retails liquor through its state-run outlets, claimed due to such a situation there was a hike in crimes, including those against women and children.

Such a situation could lead to deterioration of law and order in the state, he said adding the government must not be keen on the approximate Rs 22,000 crore revenue from liquor sales but look beyond that, on issues affecting common man.

Taking inspiration from Kerala, Tamil Nadu government should also go in for prohibition, either in a phased manner or outright, keeping in mind the welfare of the people, he added.