Tasmac Bars in Chennai Set for Major Overhaul with Legal Kitchens and Concrete Buildings

Tasmac bars across Chennai are set for a significant transformation as the state prepares to float a new tender with overhauled operational rules ahead of the August 30 licence expiration.

Under the revised draft regulations, attached bars will no longer function solely as drinking spaces. The premises will be permitted to serve tea, coffee, and juices to accommodate non-drinkers. Tasmac has also officially approved the establishment of kitchens inside bars to prepare and serve fresh snacks, addressing a long-pending demand from operators.

Prohibition and Excise Minister K Vignesh stated that previous rules prohibiting kitchens in Tasmac bars had become redundant. He noted that the government will permit kitchens while ensuring safety and hygiene standards are upheld. According to the draft norms, kitchens must be segregated from seating areas and strictly follow the standards prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The state government recently amended the Tamil Nadu Liquor Retail Vending (in Shops and Bars) Rules, 2003, permitting bars to operate within 100 metres of retail outlets. Anyone holding a no-objection certificate for premises near a Tasmac shop will be eligible to participate in the upcoming tender.

The revised guidelines also stipulate that all bars must operate out of permanent concrete structures. The use of temporary sheds, prefabricated setups, or materials like tin sheets, asbestos, wood, bamboo, tarpaulin, or thatch will no longer be permitted.

Contract durations will be extended from two years to three years, with provisions for two one-year extensions subject to performance. To enhance revenue, Tasmac is shifting from a fixed fee to a dynamic monthly licence fee tied to actual monthly liquor sales.

Local residents, including Satish Galley from Semmanchery, welcomed the proposed reforms to improve maintenance and clean up poorly managed premises, urging authorities to strictly enforce the regulations.

However, bar owners have raised concerns regarding the process. N Thirunavukkarasu, president of the Tamil Manila Tasmac Bar Owners, Building Owners and Workers Association, stated that operators were not consulted during the drafting stage and expressed opposition to the 100-metre operational radius over safety issues.