The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has decided to implement a public grievance redressal system, which would consider the demands of residents before taking a decision on closure and relocation of liquor shops.

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Chennai:

The new system, initiated by the State Home, Prohibition and Excise Department, will also ensure that the authorities consider the opinion of residents while approving new liquor shops.

“The reasonable objections raised by the public during the grievance redressal meeting will be taken into consideration,” a senior Tasmac official told DT Next.

“Following the first such meeting held recently, we have closed a shop on the Pozhichalur Main Road,” the official pointed out, adding that around 800 complaints have already been received from the public demanding to either close or relocate shops in their respective area.

After receiving a complaint, the field officers of Tasmac will conduct an inspection before taking a decision. The decision will mostly be taken within a week’s time after the field visit, the official added.

On setting up new shops, the official said certain new parameters have been drawn up, wherein the district collectors will have to cause a field inspection before passing appropriate orders.