Deepavali special: TASMAC shops begin sale from dawn in Tiruchy

It is said, outlets at Pichainagar along Tiruchy-Chennai bypass had their back door opened and sale commenced at 6 am. When the information reached the boozers, they began to converge in the spot and started collecting liquor stocks. 

Despite a regulation that shops should do business only from 12 noon to 10 pm, these shops were kept open early in the morning and were also selling liquor at an exorbitant price. Interestingly, boozers were told that their choice of bottles would go out of stock and this made them to buy their ‘stocks’ at any rate. It is said that beer was sold with a 10 per cent hike while other varieties were sold at an additional cost (Rs 50 - Rs 200). 

A similar sale was reported in many districts, including Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai and Thanjavur rural pockets. However, TASMAC regional sources said that action would be initiated against those outlets who were found selling liquor at a higher than usual price.