Trichy's Early Morning Liquor Scandal: Bars Flout Rules, Operate at 7:30 AM
In the city of Trichy, a disturbing trend has emerged that challenges both legal norms and public safety. While schools remain silent, awaiting their first bell, and shops keep their shutters down, bars attached to liquor shops are already bustling with activity as early as 7:30 AM. This blatantly violates the official rule that mandates these establishments can only open at 12 noon, raising serious questions about enforcement and community welfare.
Round-the-Clock Operations and Public Nuisance
Investigations reveal that some of these bars operate virtually round the clock, showing no regard for designated dry days either. At Puthur Four Road, the scene is particularly alarming. Students heading to educational institutions on either side of the junction are forced to navigate through a sharp stench of urine, scattered empty liquor bottles, and men sprawled across the pavement in a drunken stupor.
A nearby photocopy shop owner shared his daily ordeal, stating that his workday often begins with the unpleasant task of clearing drunk men from his doorstep. "It's become a routine nuisance that disrupts business and creates an unsafe environment," he lamented. When TOI visited this location several weeks ago around 9 AM, the bar was openly operational, with a police jeep parked just a few metres away. Shockingly, when questioned, officials merely smiled and claimed the area did not fall under their jurisdiction, highlighting a glaring gap in accountability.
Disturbances and Black Market Activities
The problem extends beyond Puthur. At Dheeran Nagar, a verbal scuffle was witnessed outside a Tasmac bar as early as 7:30 AM on a recent Wednesday. A staff member from an adjoining bakery expressed concern, noting that the morning's first customers are often perturbed by such disturbances. "But, fortunately or unfortunately, some tipplers also buy snacks from us," he added, underscoring the complex dynamics at play.
Over the past week, TOI found that these instances are not isolated. At several locations across Trichy, liquor is being sold in the black market either before official opening hours or after closing time. Near the assistant commissioner's office at Cantonment, sales are allegedly carried out clandestinely at night, with a middleman stationed opposite Tamil Nadu Hotel coordinating purchases. In areas like Dheeran Nagar and Puthur Four Road, tipplers have been seen sitting inside outlets and consuming liquor in the early morning hours.
Safety Concerns and Official Inaction
What makes this issue even more critical is the location of these outlets. Many operate in the heart of the city—near police outposts, close to schools, and along busy highways. M Mahendran, who runs a shop next to a Tasmac bar in Puthur, has been vocal about the dangers. "I have raised this issue with several collectors, commissioners, and other officials, but everyone has turned a blind eye," he stated, having submitted a formal petition on Monday.
He further explained that even when CCTVs are installed to monitor the situation, they often get damaged. "Earlier, they would at least keep the shutters down and sell only to regulars. But for the past eight months, it has been done openly," he revealed, indicating a worsening scenario.
Local residents like K Krishnamoorthy, a 63-year-old from Karumandapam, now live in fear. "I used to worry about stray dogs. Now I worry about drunk men. Recently, one of them hit me with his vehicle in front of the shop," he shared, highlighting the direct impact on public safety.
Broader Implications and Activist Warnings
A Tasmac staff member in Dheeran Nagar bar alleged that some residents from Ramji Nagar purchase liquor in bulk and resell it from their homes, even on dry days, exacerbating the problem. Road safety activist Ayyarappan P warned of the severe risks involved. "It is already risky for bars to operate along highways. Operating illegally beyond permitted hours only adds to the problem of drunken driving," he emphasized, calling for immediate action.
When approached for comment, a Tasmac official stated that action is taken whenever complaints are received. However, he added, "It's election time and this is a hot button issue. So, I would not like to comment further," suggesting political sensitivities may be hindering transparency. After photos and information were shared with him, a senior district official of Tasmac assured TOI that they will crack down on the issue, but the effectiveness of such promises remains to be seen.
This ongoing situation in Trichy not only flouts legal regulations but also poses significant threats to community well-being, demanding urgent and sustained intervention from authorities.
