AIADMK, PMK and BJP oppose TVK govt's purported move to permit resto-bars

Chennai: Former AIADMK minister R B Udhayakumar, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss and BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran on Friday strongly opposed TVK govt's purported move to permit resto-bars across the state. The state govt, however, clarified that it was yet to take a decision on the matter.“Information is spreading that TVK govt is planning to grant permission to open resto-bars across the state, in addition to the existing 4,000-plus Tasmac outlets. They are also planning to introduce 54 new brands of liquor to satisfy alcoholics and promote drinking habits,” Udhayakumar alleged in a video message. Anbumani warned that PMK would launch statewide protests if govt went ahead with its plan to introduce new liquor brands and resto-bars.Calling it a “double standard”, Nagenthran said it was ironic that chief minister C Joseph Vijay boasted about closing down Tasmac outlets while his govt contemplated permitting resto-bars and launching new liquor brands. Nagenthran noted that the state govt should completely drop the idea of allowing new bars and liquor brands.