The People’s Movement Against Drugs has opposed the decision of the State government to allow bars to be set up within 100-metre radius of Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) liquor outlets, replacing the existing requirement that bars should be attached to the shops.

As per the Government Order, there was no need for bars to be attached to the Tasmac liquor outlets. The bars can be established anywhere within 100-metre radius of the outlets. It is said that the move was aimed at increasing the participation in the tender process and breaking the monopoly of a few operators who had dominated bar contracts for years.

However, the move has drawn opposition from a section of people. The People’s Movement Against Drugs said that the bars had been functioning within the premises of Tasmac liquor outlets. The decision would enable the licence holders to set up bars in thickly populated areas. They might attract more youth who could get addicted to liquor. Such as decision should not have been made when people were against the functioning of Tasmac liquor outlets.

J. Kennedy of the movement said the TVK government, which had captured power with the support of young people and women, should withdraw the decision. Otherwise, the movement would stage protests.

Published - August 08, 2026 06:05 pm IST