Date:28/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/28/stories/2008122855230600.htm

Tamil Nadu

DMK urges government to move towards prohibition

Special Correspondent

Decision to reduce working hours of liquor shops hailed
Government has already closed 1,300 barss

CHENNAI: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s general council on Saturday urged the State government to move towards total prohibition in Tamil Nadu.

A resolution adopted in the general council welcomed Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s decision to reduce the working hours of TASMAC liquor shops by an hour from New Year in response to a representation made by a team of leaders led by PMK leader S. Ramadoss.

The State government had already closed 1,300 bars and 12 retail liquor shops and decided not to open new outlets, the resolution said.

“The DMK government should work towards achieving total prohibition in the State,” it stressed.

Another resolution welcomed the new laws enacted by the Centre to curb terrorism, but urged the government to ensure that it was not used against the interest of the federal principles of the country, the interests of the states and the freedom of individuals.

The resolutions were read out by Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin who has been elected as the treasurer of the party, a post once held by his father and Chief Minster M. Karunanidhi. K. Anbazhagan was elected the general secretary.