Alcohol is ruining several lives and has become a menace for families and the younger generation in Tamil Nadu. In a bid to keep youth away from liquor, village elders in Vizhunthamavadi, a fishing hamlet near Kilvelur in Nagapattinam district, have come up with a unique measure of imposing heavy fines on those caught consuming alcohol.
The decision was taken particularly to discourage unmarried youth from drinking, with a fine of Rs. 5,000 imposed on anyone caught consuming liquor.
However, married men are permitted to consume liquor with riders, unless they cause a nuisance or ruckus in public places or at home. There is a reward for informants on violators. Whoever informs the community leaders would get a Rs. 2,000 cash award.
Married men who make noise or quarrel with the public or co-residents would have to pay Rs. 5,000 as a penalty for their unwanted behaviour in public.
A notice to this effect, with a list of fines, has been put up in the fishing hamlet, which has over 200 fisherfolk families.
The flex banner in Tamil with a title, “Let us eradicate alcohol and protect the people”, says: “Consumption of liquor by unmarried persons (youth) has been banned in our village, effective from August 2, 2026, taking into account public peace, youth welfare and public health. If it is proved that an unmarried youth has been drinking, a fine of Rs. 5,000 will be collected.”
It also says: “If any married man is found creating trouble in public or at their homes, or anyone brings it to our notice, the man who makes a ruckus would be fined Rs. 5,000 as fine. We humbly request all our residents to extend your cooperation to this good effort. Today’s right decision will prevent the future of youth and protect their health. We will avoid drinking liquor. We will protect our future life and our society.”
It was released by the Village Panchayat, youths and village public. Fishermen village—Vizhunthamavadi.
According to U Suresh Kumar, a representative of the fishermen panchayathars (member of a community sabha), who told the media, “We took this decision at a meeting of the panchayathars on August 2, in the interest of the welfare and future of the youth in the village. We had received information that some of our youths were drinking at a younger age.”
In a recent incident, an 18-year-old youth died allegedly under the influence of alcohol. One of the fisherwomen said, “Disputes in families, accidents, feuds in the streets, and a growing unsafe atmosphere for women and children because of alcohol consumption were among the concerns that have made us resort to this decision.” The message is “stay sober or pay a fine”.
According to them, the ban was necessitated by growing concerns over alcohol consumption, with the aim of protecting the welfare and health of the community and preventing people from taking up regular drinking.
The Vizhunthamavadi fishing hamlet is a large village panchayat with about 5,000 families, with fishermen constituting a smaller part of the population.
Meanwhile, police said necessary action would be taken if issues arise, including instances of people being forced to pay fines or facing social boycott for refusing to do so.
Critics say, “It is a good move. What the government has failed to do. Neither did it close the TASMAC outlets as promised nor take any steps to educate youths and teenagers drinking and consuming liquor in schools and open places.”
They cite the recent incident in TN. A netizen posted a message with video on X saying, “Female students were reportedly found consuming alcohol at Thuckalay Government Higher Secondary School in Kanyakumari district.
🚨 Female School Students – Consumed Alcohol on School Premises 🚨
Female students were reportedly found consuming alcohol at Thuckalay Government Higher Secondary School in Kanyakumari district.
An investigation reportedly confirmed that some female students who had attended… pic.twitter.com/wuqugeNifV
— Hari (@hari_noty) August 14, 2026
An investigation reportedly confirmed that some female students who had attended special coaching classes for competitive examinations consumed alcohol on the school premises after the other students had left.
#JustNow || வகுப்பறைகள் மதுக்கூடங்களாவதா? பள்ளிகளில் மாணவிகள் மது அருந்தும் அவலம்… மது எளிதாகக் கிடைப்பதைத் தடை செய்க – அன்புமணி#Anbumani | #PMK | #Politics | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/gbZ6NTT5gY
— Polimer News (@polimernews) August 14, 2026
There have been a host of incidents in which school girls consume liquor in schools, while travelling on buses, or in isolated places. All these videos were recorded by their male classmates after supplying them with liquor and eatables. Some girls were found smoking alone or exchanging with others in the group. Liquor and Ganja, synthetic drugs are available to students.
In another school, a student allegedly, after consuming narcotics, started kicking a co-student despite the presence of male and female teachers and their attempts to stop him.
