CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has extended the validity of existing licences for bars attached to its liquor outlets by another two months, citing the time required to complete the fresh tender process. There are 4,058 liquor shops in the state, and there are about 2,500 bars attached to them.According to a circular issued by Tasmac managing director K Nantha Kumar on Friday, the existing agreements, which are due to expire on Aug 31, have been extended from Sept 1 to Oct 31, or until the successful bidders under the fresh tender commence operations, whichever is earlier.The corporation said the fresh tender process was under way and completion of the tender, evaluation of bids and execution of agreements with successful bidders would require additional time. The extension has therefore been ordered as an interim measure to ensure uninterrupted operations.The extension covers agreements for sale of eatables and collection of empty bottles in bars attached to Tasmac retail vending shops. District managers in all 38 districts have been authorised to extend the agreements and collect the applicable bar licence fee.Tasmac has also extended the agreements with contractors engaged in collection of empty cartons and other waste from retail vending shops by one month, from Sept 1 to Sept 30, or until the successful bidders under the fresh tender commence operations, whichever is earlier.The extensions will continue on the existing terms and conditions. Contractors have been instructed to comply with all statutory provisions, licence and tender conditions, besides Tasmac’s instructions.The latest decision comes after Tasmac had already extended the validity of the existing arrangements by two months, with the corporation now citing delays in finalising the new tender framework and awarding the contracts.
