Illegal sale of liquor thrives in rural parts of Coimbatore

Illegal sale of liquor is continuing in many rural areas of Coimbatore district, with Karumathampatti, Annur and some parts of Pollachi topping the list.  

A recent video that was circulated widely on social media showed people thronging a bar attached to a liquor outlet near Somanur bus stand, where alcohol was being sold in the morning hours. Residents from the locality said liquor is available at many such bars attached to Tasmac outlets before and after the business hours.

“Liquor is available at these places as early as 8 a.m. One can buy quarter bottles or get at ‘peg rate’. Many daily wage labourers and migrant workers frequent these shops in the morning before heading to their work sites,” said a resident of Karumathampatti.

D. Prabhakaran, social activist and State organising secretary of Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Pathukappu Sangam, said he had lodged multiple complaints with the police regarding the menace at Karumathampatti. However, illegal liquor sale continues in the locality.

“People are forced to believe that liquor is sold illegally with the knowledge of the police. The police or the Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) are not taking concrete actions to curb the practice,” he said.

Liquor was also being sold illegally in many dhabas and hut-style eateries in Karumathampatti sub-division. People are also allowed to carry liquor to some of these places. 

A resident of Annur said the situation was no different in and around Annur. Liquor outlets on Mettupalayam Road and Othimalai Road are known for sale of liquor in the morning and after 10 p.m., he said.

“Liquor is available almost any time of the day, sold by the staff of bars attached to Tasmac outlets and private individuals. ‘Three number lottery’ and Kerala lottery sale is also thriving in Annur,” he added.

S. Basha, a social activist and member of a trade union from Mettupalayam, urged the police to give special attention to Mettupalayam and Annur to curb illegal sale of liquor.

“Round the clock availability of liquor is one of the main reasons behind various crimes taking place in the region,” he said. 

Some of the police officers said they had carried out special drives on Republic Day, which was a dry-day, and booked several persons for selling liquor in the black market.