Reporter's Diary: Tipplers irked as bar owner denies freebie offer

Tipplers in Chinnamannur municipality of Theni district were in for a pleasant surprise when a flex hoarding appeared near the Nethaji bus stand recently which offered ‘freebies’ for those indulging in booze at a particular bar. 

The hoarding stated that ‘five side dishes would be offered free as usual’ revealing that those opting for the freebies had to indulge themselves in house. 

However, their joy was short lived because soon after news spread over the booze freebie offer, an advertisement appeared  on a private TV channel wherein the concerned bar owner stated that the he was not involved in the advertisement and that they had not announced any ‘freebies.’ 

Local sources said the prank might have been the work of elements hostile to the bar owner. Since all TASMAC shops are  government-run, local wags wondered whether the government itself was involved in the freebie offer, because if so, then the same would have been extended to all bars in TN. But the disclaimer nipped it in the bud before the free booze got out of hand! — Tharian Mathew, Chennai