Chennai: The wait for the clean, FSSAI and MRP compliant Tasmac-attached bars is to get longer as the liquor corporation is yet to float tenders for new bar licences across the State, though the licences for the existing bars cease to be effective with this month.
Though prohibition and excise minister K Vignesh promised that Tasmac-attached bars would be given a makeover and came up with the initiative of setting up Tasmac bars 100m away from shops to release the bars from the clutches of local politicians, the tender for new bar licences has not been floated.
So floating the tender with just a 15-day window will limit the participation,” said the source.
Also, nobody can question their price and quality of food being served,” said S Vinoth, a resident of Guindy. “The decision on the empty bottle collection bidder is likely to be taken only in the last week,” said Tasmac sources. “Since the new tender is expected to bring in fresh participants, sufficient time has to be given for them to set up the premises in compliance with conditions. Meanwhile, those using the Tasmac bar facility continue to pay above MRP for the time they spend in a poor, unhygienic environment. “In many bars, the tables and chairs are in bad shape and harm visitors. However, neither prohibition and excise minister K Vignesh nor Tasmac managing director K Nanthakumar were available to comment on when the new tenders would be floated. Also, finalising the tender for empty bottle collection has also been delayed, though the bids were opened in the first week of Oct.