Kamal Haasan says human body won’t be able to stomach liquor prohibition

CHENNAI: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has called for reducing the number of Tasmac liquor shops in Tamil Nadu. “We do not need so many Tasmac outlets. It is easier to locate a Tasmac outlet than a post office. This has to change,” wrote Kamal in his column in a Tamil magazine that hit the stands on Thursday. Read this story in TamilThe actor, who launched his party -- Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) -- last week, wrapped up the column with the latest article, which is the 22nd in the series. Kamal wrote he is not in favour of prohibition. “It is possible to reduce alcohol consumption. But I doubt the possibility of giving up alcohol consumption completely. My belief is that it is not possible to make everyone in the state give up alcohol. If such a thing is done, then these citizens will take to murdering and wreak havoc.”Kamal said ruling parties in Tamil Nadu own distilleries. “First they speak of prohibition. Then they favour the sale of alcohol. It is worrying that politicians insist on setting up Tasmac shops even near schools. The ruling politicians are just looking for an outlet to sell their product. They speak of prohibition now and then to garner women votes.”Explaining the rationale behind his position, Kamal said if prohibition was enforced, it would pave the way for a liquor mafia. “It is not like gambling, to be banned overnight. The human body will not be able to stomach such a change,” he said.Kamal registered his opposition to NEET. “When Tamil Nadu has grown as a medical tourism hub due to the high quality of medical education in the state, why do we need NEET? The Centre has imposed NEET on us,” he wrote.