CHENNAI: Urging the government to take steps to implement prohibition in the State, 50 activists of Satta Panchayat Iyakkam (SPI) staged a demonstration at Valluvar Kottam on Monday.
The activists, who were joined by a few non-members, staged a mock-tribute to a liquor shop board, implying its closure. They raised slogans against the government saying revenue earned from liquor sales was a shame.Taking note of the Kerala government’s recent announcement towards prohibition, the outfit submitted a list of demands to gradually push the State towards total prohibition before the 2016 elections.
“Liquor shops should be open only for six hours a day as compared to the present 12 hours. Bars should be closed down as they are seen as breeding grounds for violence. The age limit of 21 for buyers of liquor should be strictly implemented,” a member of the outfit said.
Liquor shops which have been shut down due to protests should not be allowed to be opened in any other area, said the outfit members.
Demonstrations were conducted simultaneously in 12 other districts across Tamil Nadu including Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Madurai and Coimbatore.