What does the cryptic crossword clue "They order madras, not when drunk (9)" mean?

The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of MADRASNOT ("madras, not") [anagram: "drunk"] = MANDATORS The answer is MANDATORS.

They order madras, not when drunk (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29618 | 11 Across | 2025-02-14 flower