Residents welcome closure of Tasmac outlet near Nursing College in Vellore
Authorities in Vellore have closed a Tasmac liquor outlet located near a private nursing college following persistent complaints from residents regarding public nuisance and safety concerns. Local citizens had petitioned the government to act, citing the negative impact of inebriated individuals on traffic and the proximity of the shop to schools and places of worship.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between state-run liquor retail operations and public safety in urban residential areas, reflecting the power of community advocacy in influencing local governance.
An outlet of Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) near a private nursing college at the intersection of Arcot Road, Saidapet in Kagithapattarai, off Chennai–Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) in Vellore town was closed on Wednesday.
The action comes after a The Hindu report highlighted the plight of road users, including students, office-goers and traders, in using the busy stretch due to public nuisance created by tipplers.
Residents said that the stretch had a Tasmac outlet for many years, causing public nuisance every day, especially during weekends when wage labourers and agricultural workers got their weekly salary.
“The closed Tasmac outlet is among three such outlets that are located next to each other. We request the District Collector at least to relocate the remaining outlets on the stretch to an isolated location to ensure safety of road users, especially women and senior citizens,” said R. Vanitha, a motorist.
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