Tamil Nadu: Residents Block Road Demanding Closure of TASMAC Outlet Near Ammapettai

Residents, including women, in Ammapettai staged a road blockade on Thursday, protesting the continued operation of a Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) liquor outlet, citing its proximity to a government school and the resulting safety concerns.

TASMAC shop number 3802, located at the Poonachi bus stop, is situated approximately 400 metres from a government school. Protesters alleged that the outlet’s location has led to frequent accidents, some of which have been fatal. The demonstration caused a temporary disruption to vehicular traffic in the area.

According to details received by The Chenab Times, the residents voiced their concerns over the alleged negative impact of the TASMAC outlet on the local community, particularly women and students. The protest highlighted a recurring issue across Tamil Nadu, where residents frequently campaign against the establishment or continued operation of TASMAC outlets due to their proximity to educational institutions, places of worship, and residential areas. Such protests often cite concerns about increased accidents, potential for law and order issues, and a general decline in public safety.

Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the state government, under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has recently ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC outlets across Tamil Nadu that are located within 500 meters of schools, colleges, bus stands, and temples. This directive, aimed at addressing public grievances and enhancing safety, has led to similar demands for closure in various districts. In Salem, for instance, the public has demanded the closure of seven problematic TASMAC outlets, including those near the Salem New Bus Stand and Kannankurichi Government Higher Secondary School. Residents in Erode have also protested against proposed TASMAC outlets, citing concerns about women and students commuting through the area.

The Ammapettai protest is part of a broader pattern of community resistance against the placement of liquor retail outlets. In several instances, residents have petitioned district collectors and relevant government departments, seeking the revocation of permissions for new outlets or the relocation of existing ones. Concerns often revolve around the social environment created by these outlets, with allegations that they attract anti-social elements and contribute to a rise in petty crime, thereby affecting the quality of life for nearby residents.

In February 2026, residents in Coimbatore protested against the proposed opening of a new TASMAC outlet in Muthugoundenpudur, near Sulur. They pointed out that schools, residential houses, and places of worship were located close to the proposed site and demanded the revocation of permission. Similarly, in March 2026, residents in Erode voiced opposition to a proposed TASMAC outlet connecting Mullamparappu and Nathagoundenpalayam, highlighting the proximity to residential areas and routes used by students and villagers.

The TASMAC Employees Federation has also previously raised concerns, including difficulties faced in the implementation of bottle buy-back schemes and demands for improved working conditions and security for staff. Reports from April 2026 indicated that TASMAC employees in Coimbatore staged a protest over the complexities of the bottle buy-back scheme, seeking outsourcing solutions and better support from management.

The Ammapettai residents’ demonstration underscores the ongoing tension between the state’s revenue generation from liquor sales and the demands of local communities for safer living environments. The proximity of the TASMAC shop to the government school in Ammapettai has been the primary catalyst for the protest, with demonstrators insisting on its permanent removal from the locality.

---

---

Follow us on

---

(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)