An outlet of Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) at Mandakolathur village near Arani town in Tiruvannamalai on Chetpet - Polur Main Road was closed on Wednesday.
Residents said that the TASMAC outlet resulted in public nuisance every day, especially during weekends when workers get their weekly salary in the village. Residents celebrated the closure of the outlet by distributing sweets to neighbours and motorists.
“After years of struggle, the TASMAC outlet has been permanently shut down in the village. We will also keep vigil so that the outlet is not reopened again,” said former block development officer (BDO), S. Amavasai, a longtime resident.
The outlet in Mandakolathur is among 20 outlets identified in the district for permanent closure. The action comes after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in May directed authorities to shut down 717 TASMAC liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state in two weeks.
Of the total 385 outlets in the region, Tiruvannamalai district has the highest number of outlets (206), followed by Ranipet (83), Vellore (60) and Tirupattur (36).
Residents said that the outlet is located on Chetpet - Polur Main Road where commuters from at least 20 surrounding farming villages have to board long-distance buses to Pondicherry, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Salem, and Dharmapuri. The outlet is also surrounded by two local temples, a Government High School, and a Cooperative bank.
Residents said that there were several recent incidents in the village where inebriated people were caught attacking people. Drunk people were found lying on the carriageway of the stretch, affecting traffic movement on the route. Drunk people also engaged in petty fights with other residents in the village.
Residents said that several complaints to close the TASMAC outlet were given to the District Collector as recently as a fortnight ago. As most residents are farmers, small traders, and wage labourers, their hard-earned money was spent on liquor consumption. Students were also scared to use the stretch.
Published - June 03, 2026 11:40 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
