This refers to the report, “Jaya fulfils 5 poll vows on day 1” (May 24). The new AIADMK Government's decision will have a direct impact on the opposition DMK, since many leaders from that party reportedly own firms to manufacture Indian Made Foreign liquor. Total prohibition in Tamil Nadu can succeed only when similar prohibition, enforced strictly, exists in neighbouring States.
By reducing the working hours of liquor shops and prohibiting shops to be set up near educational institutions and places of worship, the menace of outlets run by Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation can be brought down. There are people who cannot live without a drink and it will be very difficult for the State to take action against them, as they will simply cross over to another State for their quota. It is the responsibility of society at large to bring about change. Anyway, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has made a good beginning.