Clamour to shut more Tasmac outlets in Trichy

Trichy: The govt's decision to close a number of Tasmac outlets functioning near educational institutions, bus stops, and religious places has raised expectations among residents, with many petitions demanding closure of more outlets being submitted at the district collectorate here on Monday.Monday's grievance redressal meeting with the district collector saw an unusual number of petitions demanding closure of Tasmac outlets. Across the state, 717 outlets have been ordered to be shut down, including 16 in Trichy district. Residents from Pullambadi north village in Lalgudi taluk sought the closure of one outlet situated near several temples. According to the petition, liquor consumers frequently smash bottles inside temple premises, on roads, and into the Pullambadi major irrigation canal near the shop. "Drunk people also meet with accidents on the nearby Trichy–Chidambaram highway,"they said.Another petition submitted by residents of Akilandeswari Nagar in Lalgudi demanded removal of two Tasmac outlets near their locality. They alleged that school students were unable to safely use the service road and railway subway near the shops due to the presence of drunk people. They also claimed that one of the outlets functions close to a bank, causing inconvenience to customers. "The next generation should not grow up witnessing all this. If not closed, it should at least be shifted," A Anand, a resident of the area, said. Residents of Posampatti and Ganesapuram villages in Andanallur block urged authorities to close a liquor outlet located between Viyalanmedu and Podhavur. In their petition, they said customers regularly occupy nearby bus shelter to consume alcohol, disrupting commuters and exposing schoolchildren to anti-social behaviour. Tasmac officials and district officials said the demands would be considered at the next probable round of closures. So far, the district has closed down more than 10 outlets.