CHENNAI: Despite a blanket ban on operation of illegal bars attached to Tasmac liquor outlets due to Covid-19 measures, such facilities continue to thrive in the city.
Moreover, the state run liquor outlets in Chennai have not been following any Covid-19 norms since they reopened a fortnight ago.
A visit by TOI to a bar attached to a Tasmac outlet on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) on Sunday found many consuming liquor without any curbs.
At the entrance, the barricades were covered with the cloth to prevent the view for outsiders.
Though tokens were issued, it did not serve any purpose due to lack of crowd management.
In T Nagar, the outlets are glaring examples of violations with a section of consumers without masks and no social distancing followed.
B Kannan, secretary of T Nagar Residents Welfare Association, said many people were seen consuming liquor in the outlets that had bars attached.
While circles drawn before the counters for social distancing have disappeared, the rule of not more than five people allowed before the counters at any given time is not followed.
Most outlets are crowded, sparking doubts over whether they have been exempted from following rules.
Tasmac sources alleged that bars at many outlets function after 5pm.
A senior Tasmac official said instructions had already been given to employees, directing that liquor should not be sold for customers without masks.
“We will reiterate ‘no mask, no alcohol’ to our employees,” he said.
Asked about the illegal operation of bars, the official said action would be initiated against such violations.