Trichy: A fishing village in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district has banned unmarried young men from consuming alcohol within its limits, with local fisherfolk representatives warning of a Rs 5,000 penalty for violations.

A resolution to this effect was passed by the panchayat in Vizhunthamavadi village in Keelaiyur block and publicised through a large digital banner and announcements using handheld megaphones.

Under the resolution, the ban came into effect on August 2 and prohibits unmarried youth from drinking alcohol within the village limits. Those found violating the rule and proved guilty with evidence will be fined Rs 5,000.

The same penalty will apply to married men if they create disturbances at home or in public places while under the influence of alcohol.

“Today’s right decision will create a better tomorrow. Let us avoid alcohol and protect our future lives as well as our society,” a banner placed in the village read. The move has brought considerable relief to fisherfolk families, particularly women and children, who often bear the brunt of alcohol-related problems.

The decision has won praise on social media, with many users appreciating the community-led effort to curb alcohol consumption and promote a safer, more peaceful environment. Several users welcomed the move as a positive example of local residents coming together to address alcohol-related problems, particularly those affecting families.

Across India, several individual villages and specific religious local-body jurisdictions have imposed complete bans on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

Last year, the Madhya Pradesh government announced a complete ban on liquor in 19 religious cities and areas under select gram panchayats, including Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar and Maihar. The ban covers all liquor shops and bars within the urban limits of Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur and Amarkantak.

The prohibition also extends to the gram panchayat limits of Salkanpur, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, Barmankalan, Barmankhurd and Linga.

The BJP-led state government designated these 19 urban and rural areas as completely sacred and imposed a total prohibition on liquor within their jurisdictions.