Shut but open

The article analyzes the Tamil Nadu government's recent closure of 717 liquor shops (Tasmac outlets) near schools and places of worship, a move intended to address public nuisance and safety concerns. However, it highlights that the policy is largely a 'cosmetic fix,' as customers merely shift to other outlets, and issues like drunken nuisance, road safety risks, and waste disposal persist. The article also touches upon the impact on displaced workers and calls for more comprehensive action beyond mere relocation of shops, emphasizing the long-running effort to balance public sentiment with state revenue from liquor sales.