The Home, Prohibition and Excise Department, Govt. of Tamil Nadu on October 23, 2026, issued the amendments to the Tamil Nadu Liquor Retail Vending (in Shops and Bars) Rules, 2003.
The following has been amended, namely:
• The amendment revises the regulatory framework for retail liquor shops and attached bars operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) and its authorised agents. The amendments redefine “bar” and “liquor”; prescribe authorisations for retail shops and bars at district and shop levels; and require TASMAC to furnish details of authorised shops and bars to the concerned Collector within 10 days of commencement of business or any subsequent change.
• Bars may be allotted to private parties through tender, with the upset price and tender conditions determined by the Corporation’s Board with prior approval of the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise. Bars shall be located adjoining the retail shop or within 100 metres of it, subject to restrictions on proximity to places of worship and educational institutions, including specified exceptions. Each bar shall have a minimum plinth area of 20 square metres, provide drinking water and wash basins, and maintain hygienic surroundings.
• Shops and bars are required to display Tamil signboards containing authorisation details and prescribed health and road-safety warnings, while shops shall also display liquor prices. Operating hours are restricted to 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m., and liquor sales or consumption are prohibited on specified dry days, including Thiruvalluvar Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti, Independence Day, Republic Day and May Day.
• The amendments prohibit the sale of liquor to persons below 21 years of age, their entry into bars and their employment in shops or bars. Electronic daily transaction records, inspection powers for designated Excise and Revenue officials, and separate inspection and enforcement provisions for shops and bars have also been introduced.
[Notification No. - G.O. Ms.No.62]
