Farmers seek lifting of toddy ban as TVK govt. considers permitting resto-bars

Following reports that the State government plans to permit resto-bars to operate, as in neighbouring States, farmers demanded that the ban on toddy be lifted, noting that no such prohibition exists in those States.After TVK came to power, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay closed the 717 Tasmac outlets that operated within 500 meters of bus stands, temples, and educational institutions. Amid reports that the government is considering permitting resto-bars to reduce the number of bars attached to TASMAC outlets—a move opposed by the AIADMK, PMK and BJP—farmers say the time is right to lift the ban on toddy.Uzhavar Perunthalaivar Narayanasamy Naidu’s Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam president R. Velusamy said that in the past, toddy was a part of the food culture of Tamil people and was also used for medicinal purposes. But the Tamil Nadu government has banned tapping toddy since 1987. While the government allows liquor, which is both harmful to health and society and earns revenue, why is it not allowing toddy, which would increase the revenue of farmers? Not only farmers, but thousands of palm tree workers will also benefit if the toddy ban is lifted in Tamil Nadu.Mr. Velusamy said farmers’ associations had repeatedly demanded that the ban be lifted, but the State government had not acted on their demand.Demanding that the Tamil Nadu government adopt the toddy policy followed by neighbouring States, Mr. Velusamy said that the State government wants to introduce resto-bars by following the nearby States like Karnataka, Andhra, Kerala, and Puducherry; why is it not allowing toddy that is allowed in these States?“We expect the TVK government in its first budget will announce lifting the ban on toddy. If not, on September 15, on behalf of our association, we will organise a protest by locking Tasmac outlets,” Mr. Velusamy added. Published - July 18, 2026 02:37 pm IST