TASMAC bars permitted to open from Tuesday

The Tamil Nadu government has permitted bars attached to liquor shops to function from Dec 29, 2020.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, all the liquor bars were closed from March 17. However, the liquor shops were allowed to function from May.

Tasmac, in its official order, permitted the functioning of liquor bar (except containment zones) by following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) scrupulously.

In a separate SOP, circular said individuals should maintain physical distancing of at least six feet as far as feasible. Face masks, which were made mandatory, have to be worn at all times inside the bars.

"Respiratory etiquette involving the strict practice of covering one's mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing with a tissue or handkerchief besides prohibiting spitting inside the bars", it said.

Guidelines for bars said that not more than 50% of seating capacity to be permitted. Hand sanitizers must be kept at the entrance of the bar for consumers to use and provision of thermal screening.