Orders pour in full for bootleggers ahead of dry weekend

Pubs, bars and restobars in the city had already announced their three-day holiday on social media. In fact, many of them planned extensively for what they expected to be, an unusually packed Friday.

A representative from Illusions – The Madras Pub tells us, “For Friday, we have planned a celebrity night to draw in the crowds.”  Other joints opted for bringing in live bands to keep the footfalls high. 

On the other end of the spectrum, Tasmac shops in Chennai will also remain shut from May 14, to 19, which prompted tipplers to stock up their liquor. A Tasmac staff on Sterling Road said they expected heavy footfall on Friday. 

There are also those considering options to get their alcohol delivered at home, via a trusted bootlegger. A city-based DJ on conditions of anonymity, says, “Driving to Puducherry just for a drink seems unfeasible. As the Union Territory also has election this season, it could be a dry zone. That’s why we have to turn to bootleggers.” 

S Suresh, an IT employee, says, “Weekends are the only time I get to unwind with my friends. We usually end up going to a pub or a restro bar. But that option has been ruled out this week.” He adds, “Since our friends have an off-day on Monday, we thought of making the most of it. I will be stocking up on my liquor on Friday. But I have been warned that owing to strict checking for the election, one needs to be careful while carrying alcohol in bulk.” 

Others like Shiju Joseph, a media professional have decided to head out to places like Bengaluru to keep the party going. Being a native of Karnataka, he decided to use polling day to catch up with his friends there.