Chennai Police Crack Down on Liquor Sale Timings with New Law and Order Directives

Chennai police tighten liquor sale timings, issue comprehensive law and order directions

Chennai, May 17

According to the order circulated to police stations, all FL1 category liquor outlets, including TASMAC and Elite TASMAC shops, must strictly shut operations by 10 p.m.

FL2 outlets must also close by 10 p.m., while FL3 establishments are required to adhere to their designated operating hours ending at midnight.

Officials have been instructed to ensure that liquor sales take place only at authorised locations and within the prescribed timings.

The directive also makes it clear that "loose selling" of liquor will be strictly prohibited.

Patrol teams, including regular patrol units, gypsy patrol vehicles, additional patrol teams, and sector beat officers, have been directed to closely monitor compliance and upload photographic evidence of enforcement measures in designated police groups.

The Commissioner warned that any violations of these rules could lead to action against the officers responsible for monitoring the areas.

Apart from liquor regulation, the order contains a wide range of instructions aimed at improving policing standards and strengthening crime control measures across Chennai.

Assistant Commissioners of Police have been directed to carefully examine cases recommended under the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (Goondas Act) and proceed only in cases capable of withstanding scrutiny before advisory committees and the High Court. The order further instructed that murder investigations should not remain pending beyond 90 days and that cases involving identified rowdy elements should be systematically pursued to secure convictions. Police have also been asked to profile narcotics offenders identified through ANIU alerts and expedite charge sheets in commercial quantity NDPS cases within 60 days based on available reports.

Strict timelines have also been set for POCSO cases, while SC/ST-related cases are to undergo periodic reviews.

Police personnel, excluding sentries and station writers, have been instructed to carry out patrol duties in crowd-prone areas from 6 p.m. onwards. The Commissioner also stressed the need for courteous treatment of the public at police stations, warning that strict action would be taken against any personnel found harassing complainants.

The order concluded with instructions to maintain clean police station premises and ensure disciplined and efficient policing to improve public confidence in the force.

— IANS