Coimbatore: Social activists and locals in Coimbatore district are raising a hue and cry over illegal liquor being sold in the city during lockdown.
Coimbatore: Social activists and locals in Coimbatore district are raising a hue and cry over illegal liquor being sold in the city during lockdown.
The quarter bottle which is generally Rs.150 is priced at Rs. 350 and a beer at Rs. 500 more. Therefore, social activists and citizens are demanding for liquor shops to be opened for two days.
The Tamil Nadu Government has implemented a two-week curfew to control the spread of Covid-19 and hence TASMAC liquor stores have also been closed. However, it has been reported that the sale of illicit liquor continues unabated. A branded quarter brandy bottle which is usually sold for Rs. 280 is being sold illegally at a higher price, as per the brands which is sometimes over Rs. 600.
In this regard, Citizens' Voice Coimbatore Chairman, CM Jayaram said, "On one hand, it is highly reprehensible that liquor is being sold illegally in a situation where a large number of patients are being admitted to hospitals due to the increasing spread of the disease. A few anti-social elements are engaged in such activities with the aim of discrediting the Tamil Nadu Government and making more money. The police should take stern action to find those involved in such acts.
Currently, the vehicle inspection police officials are taking action to nab those who roam in two-wheelers, unnecessarily. If any of these motorists are under the influence of alcohol, they should be investigated to find out where they had purchased the liquor and initiate action against those who sell alcohol illegally. If this situation continues, some anti-socials will even start illegal production and sale of liquor. Therefore, the police should take stern action,” he added.
Locals in Coimbatore district complained saying, "We bought and kept liquor before the curfew was imposed. But, within a week it was all over. We are now forced to buy liquor at exorbitant prices because they sell liquor illegally at very unfair prices. The TASMAC liquor stores should open now at least for two days. As in the past, the Government should take steps to determine the number of liquor bottles per person on a token basis. We are ready to buy them by adhering to Covid-19 precention measures like wearing a mask and manintaining social distancing."
The quarter bottle which is generally Rs.150 is priced at Rs. 350 and a beer at Rs. 500 more. Therefore, social activists and citizens are demanding for liquor shops to be opened for two days.
The Tamil Nadu Government has implemented a two-week curfew to control the spread of Covid-19 and hence TASMAC liquor stores have also been closed. However, it has been reported that the sale of illicit liquor continues unabated. A branded quarter brandy bottle which is usually sold for Rs. 280 is being sold illegally at a higher price, as per the brands which is sometimes over Rs. 600.
In this regard, Citizens' Voice Coimbatore Chairman, CM Jayaram said, "On one hand, it is highly reprehensible that liquor is being sold illegally in a situation where a large number of patients are being admitted to hospitals due to the increasing spread of the disease. A few anti-social elements are engaged in such activities with the aim of discrediting the Tamil Nadu Government and making more money. The police should take stern action to find those involved in such acts.
Currently, the vehicle inspection police officials are taking action to nab those who roam in two-wheelers, unnecessarily. If any of these motorists are under the influence of alcohol, they should be investigated to find out where they had purchased the liquor and initiate action against those who sell alcohol illegally. If this situation continues, some anti-socials will even start illegal production and sale of liquor. Therefore, the police should take stern action,” he added.
Locals in Coimbatore district complained saying, "We bought and kept liquor before the curfew was imposed. But, within a week it was all over. We are now forced to buy liquor at exorbitant prices because they sell liquor illegally at very unfair prices. The TASMAC liquor stores should open now at least for two days. As in the past, the Government should take steps to determine the number of liquor bottles per person on a token basis. We are ready to buy them by adhering to Covid-19 precention measures like wearing a mask and manintaining social distancing."