Coimbatore's Eachanari residents oppose move to open new bar

COIMBATORE: Residents of Eachanari in Coimbatore have opposed the move to open a private bar near a local temple and in an industrial area. They say there are already two TASMAC liquor shops in a 500-metre-radius.

"Construction of the building for the proposed FL2 bar near the railway level crossing is complete. They are now planning to operate the bar between 11am and 11pm. There is already one TASMAC shop near the Chettipalayam-Eachanari Road and another near Podanur-Chettipalayam Road. The new bar is planned to be within 300 metre of the two existing TASMAC shops," said an Eachanari resident.

Residents are also concerned about the proximity of a private school and a Saibaba temple, both within 500 metre of the new bar.

"Around 100 industries are located in the Chettipalayam-Eachanari Road area, and many women work in these companies. There are no nearby bus stops, so they have to walk and cross the proposed bar to reach the bus stop on the Podanur-Chettipalayam Road. Once it becomes operational, drunkards may create problems," said an industrialist.

Though the proposed bar is located in Malumichampatti panchayat, adjacent areas fall under ward 100 of the Coimbatore Corporation.

Despite repeated attempts, TASMAC officials were not available for comment. In Tamil Nadu, FL2 is a licence for possession of liquor by a non-proprietary club for supplying to its members.