Tue Mar 18 15:14:35 UTC 2025: ## Toddy Drinkers Demand Reclassification as Health Beverage in Coimbatore Protest
**COIMBATORE, March 18, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Toddy Movement staged a demonstration in Coimbatore today, calling for the reclassification of toddy from an alcoholic beverage to a health drink. Protesters, including farmers who consumed toddy during the demonstration, demanded an end to the ban on tapping and selling the beverage, calling the current prohibition unconstitutional.
S. Nallasamy, field coordinator of the movement, challenged political parties to a debate, offering a ₹10 crore reward to any party that can prove toddy is a harmful alcoholic drink. He argued that lifting the ban would boost the state’s economy by promoting the sale of toddy, neera, and padhaneer, as well as value-added products derived from palm trees.
Mr. Nallasamy also urged the government to release the report of the Justice K.P. Sivasubramanian Committee, which investigated issues affecting coconut and palm tree workers. He warned of sharply rising coconut and tender coconut prices if the government fails to address the damage caused by the rugose spiraling whitefly. The protest highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the classification and regulation of toddy in Tamil Nadu.
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