Collector S. Valarmathi got an unusual petition at the Collectorate in Ranipet on Wednesday when a group of residents from Mullavadi village near Arcot town sought the opening of a new Tasmac outlet in their village as they have to travel long distance to avail of the facility.
In the petition, the residents said that the village was without a Tasmac shop all these years. At present, Tasmac outlets are available in Perunkattur, Muppathuvetti and Nettapakkam villages. These villages are at least 15 km away from Mullavadi village.
“As the stretch remains dark, many residents are scared to travel such a long distance for alcohol after working hours. Absence of Tasmac outlets also encourages sale of illegal arrack,” said S. Arumugam, a resident.
Tasmac officials said that at present, 85 Tasmac outlets were being run in the district. Most of the big towns like Arcot, Arakkonam, Walajah and Sholinghur had at least 10 outlets each.
As per norms, such outlets should be established away from school and college zones and temples, mosques and churches. The distance of the outlet from these institutions should be at least 1 km. Also, the distance between two Tasmac outlets should be at least half a kilometer to prevent public nuisance in the area.
Tasmac officials said that such a petition seeking a new outlet was unusual as residents only demand closure of such outlets. However, as the petition was given to the Collector, a team will inspect the village in the coming days to find any possibility in setting up a new outlet.
