CHENNAI: It looks like Tasmac has the license to kill. None of its 600 outlets selling liquor has applied for a food safety license before the deadline expires on Tuesday. This despite complaints of adulterated and fake liquor being sold at Tasmac stores being on the rise.
A senior official in the food safety and drug administration department said: "So far, none of the Tasmac outlets in Chennai has taken license under the Food and Safety Standards Act, 2011. They should get a food safety license before the deadline. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks come under the category of beverages."
Eateries with a turnover of more than 12 lakh should obtain license from a designated officer, and those below this limit should register themselves with the food safety officer, the act states. Data obtained by TOI shows that more than 50% of food operators in Chennai are likely to miss the February 4 deadline. Of the 23,000 identified food operators in the city, only 5,983 licenses were issued. Another 4,433 have registered with the department till Monday.
When TOI pointed out the lack of license, Tasmac managing director T Soundiah said there is no need for a license for Tasmac outlets. "We sell only packaged products in the outlets which don't require any license. But we have asked all bar contractors to take license from the food safety department." Food safety officers said the Tasmac MD's statement reflected belligerence or ignorance.
The mechanism to ensure safe alcohol seems to be better in other states. Kerala food safety commissioner Biju Prabhakar said they collected liquor samples and taken action against violators including those of the state-owned beverages corporation. "All liquor shops have to get a license from the safety department," he said.
TOI had recently reported that food safety department had not collected samples of Tasmac and Metrowater as there were government agencies. Besides complaining of fake liquor, many tipplers said Tasmac outlets are generally in a pathetic condition.
In contrast, 200 Amma canteens of the Chennai Corporation had obtained licenses from the food safety department after TOI reported that these canteens were running without a license.
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