25 Tasmac outlets in Trichy, Madurai to be shut

Trichy/Madurai: Tasmac, which runs liquor shops in the state, is set to close down at least 16 outlets in Trichy and nine in Madurai after chief minister C Joseph Vijay ordered closure of 717 Tasmac shops located within 500 metres of educational institutions and places of worship across the state.The drive began with the closure of the prominent Elite Tasmac outlet situated directly opposite Kalaignar Ariviyalayam, which lies adjacent to Chathiram bus stand. Sources said the remaining shops will be shut down gradually. The decision comes in response to long-standing public demands to remove liquor shops from the vicinity of bus stands, schools, colleges, and temples. Residents have been repeatedly complaining that easy access to alcohol in these locations has contributed to various social issues, including drunken disturbances and rising addiction among youth.The move has been welcomed by activists, parents, and devotees, who described it on social media as a "long overdue" step towards creating safer public spaces. However, some traders, including petty shop owners, vehicle eateries, and non-vegetarian restaurants operating near the outlets, have expressed concerns over potential income losses.In Madurai, Tasmac shop number 5161 is located within 100 metres of the bus stand and 200 metres from Bala middle school. Residents around Arapalayam bus stand expressed the hope that the shop will be closed soon as shop customers regularly cause a nuisance for them."Despite multiple complaints to police and Tasmac shopkeepers, we repeatedly face issues with people openly urinating and falling asleep drunk in front of our house after consuming alcohol," one resident said. She added that women found it difficult to leave the house in the evening, as they faced harassment. Another Madurai resident said she was followed home by an alcoholic who remained outside the house until the police were called to intervene. "We cannot be forced to lock ourselves inside our house like this," she said, welcoming the CM's decision. Pedestrians getting off at Arapalayam bus stand also complained about the nuisance caused by people who pass out on the sidewalk. "The bus stand is a very busy place, with lots of people coming and going. Such a shop should not be located so close," he said, adding it could encourage people to drink and travel by bus, which will cause further nuisance to the passengers.Tasmac shop numbers 5209 and 5220 are located within 50 and 100 metres of MGR bus stand in Mattuthavani. The shops are also in close proximity to Al Masjidul Huda Mattuthavani mosque. Attendees to the mosque complain of people drunk and asleep on the sidewalk and in front of the entrance to the mosque. "I have heard cases of footwear that is left outside the mosque being stolen as well," one attendee said.