Sun May 18 12:58:11 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The CPI(M) and local residents in Salem, India, are protesting the presence of five Tasmac liquor outlets near the Salem New Bus Stand. They cite issues such as public intoxication, roadside drinking due to lack of bar facilities, and inaction from authorities despite repeated petitions. The CPI(M) held a protest on May 18, 2025, after previous assurances to relocate some outlets were not met. TASMAC officials claim they are searching for alternate locations and will relocate the outlets in phases, with a deadline of June 30th.

**News Article:**

**CPI(M) Protests Liquor Outlets Near Salem Bus Stand, Citing Public Nuisance**

**Salem, India – May 18, 2025:** Tensions flared in Salem today as members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) staged a protest demanding the relocation of five Tasmac liquor outlets situated near the bustling Salem New Bus Stand. Citing public nuisance and safety concerns, protesters argue the outlets’ proximity to the bus stand, which serves over 10,000 passengers daily, is causing significant disruption and disorder.

Residents and the CPI(M) claim that four of the five outlets lack bar facilities, forcing patrons to consume alcohol on the roadside, leading to frequent drunken brawls. They allege that despite the Pallapatti police station being nearby, authorities have failed to address the issue.

“Drunken brawls are common in front of these outlets,” said P. Narayanan, a local resident. “The district administration should close these five outlets immediately or shift them to another place.”

The CPI(M) Salem urban secretary, N. Praveen Kumar, stated that numerous petitions have been submitted to district officials over the past eight months without any tangible action. He further stated that revenue officials had given a written assurance to shift three shops functioning on the main road before May 1st but that no action was taken. Following the protest on May 18th, officials have now assured the party that the shops will be shifted by June 30th. Failure to do so, Mr. Praveen warned, will result in a major protest and the potential locking of the five outlets.

In response, officials from the district TASMAC department stated that they have received instructions to identify alternate locations and will relocate two outlets in the first phase, followed by the remaining outlets based on further directives. The relocation process is planned to be completed before June 30.

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