Protest planned to shift two Tasmac shops in Andikuppam

Protest Decision

All-party leaders and local residents in Pudupettai have decided to stage a protest on the 12th of this month against two Tasmac liquor shops operating at Andikuppam on the Pudupettai to Panrutti town road. The demonstration is scheduled for 10 am directly in front of the liquor outlets.

Public Trouble

The two shops bear the shop numbers 2450 and 2457 and operate side by side in the same location along the highway. Temples, schools, and colleges are situated nearby, and students and the general public use this route daily to travel to Panrutti town. The heavy presence of people buying alcohol causes trouble for pedestrians and vehicle riders on the road, leading to accidents that hurt the public.

Political Meetings

Multiple requests submitted earlier by various political parties and social welfare groups to shift the shops did not result in any action. Following this, a consultative meeting of Pudupettai all-party leaders took place. Tamilar Vazhvurimai Katchi district president Surendar headed the meeting, while Communist Party of Marxist circle secretary Elumalai and other representatives from the AIADMK, TVK, Communist Party of India, PMK, and Hindu Makkal Katchi took part in the discussions.

Context

Tasmac or The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation is the state-owned body that handles wholesale and retail vending of alcoholic beverages across Tamil Nadu. Protests demanding the relocation of liquor shops away from educational institutions, places of worship, and busy residential roads are common public safety measures taken by local communities and political groups in the state.