Residents, traders, and representatives of various political parties have demanded the relocation of a Tasmac outlet in Ward 28 of the Salem Corporation.

The Tasmac outlet, functioning in the Lorry Market area in Shevapet, has the Subramaniya Swamy Temple opposite to the outlet and, a church nearby on the premises of a government-aided school. Hundreds of heavy vehicles pass through the locality day and night. Following the State government’s order to close Tasmac outlets functioning within 500 meters of educational institutions, places of worship, and bus stands, residents expected the closure of this outlet. But, the shop continues to operate.

Ward 28 councillor J. Jayakumar said that, because of the outlet, devotees visiting the temple and students commuting to the school were affected. As the rice bazaar and wholesale grocery shops are functioning in the locality, it becomes difficult for the people to pass the outlet, as it is situated near the service road. From opening of the shop till its closing, Tasmac customers roam around the shop in large numbers. “Many traders were targeted by drunkards and lost their money. As the amount is not high, traders do not lodge police complaints,” he added.

Between the temple and the outlet exists a flyover, and people are seen consuming liquor under the flyover and disturbing the devotees approaching the temple. While the temple, church, and school come within a 500-meter radius as per the government’s announcement, the shop is yet to be closed. Tasmac officials also claimed they were unable to find an alternate place to relocate the shop. “Two murders have already taken place in the locality, and incidents of attempt-to-murder were also reported due to clashes between customers in an inebriated state,” Mr. Jayakumar said, urging the State government to close the shop immediately.

Recently, local residents, traders, and functionaries of various political parties staged a sit-in protest to close this shop.

Meanwhile, officials attached to Tasmac assured the residents that they will look into the issue.