Bottle buy-back scheme takes a hit due to unauthorised bars near Tasmac shops

THE operation of unauthorised bars near Tasmac outlets has tied the hands of employees, as they are unable to affix the hologram sticker, which is necessary for the liquor bottle buy-back scheme, implemented by Tasmac after a Madras High Court direction.

- M SARAVANAN @Coimbatore

Sources said almost two-thirds of the 286 bars attached with outlets in the district have been functioning out of contract. A Tasmac outlet supervisor attached to Coimbatore South, who did not wish to be named, said, "Bar contractors can take the bottles to the bar and store them and sell it to anyone. As unauthorised bars cannot store and sell bottles, those should be maintained by employees and handed over to the firm which has got the contract. As most bars attached to outlets in the district are operating without renewing their contract, bottles are not be