Vijay Orders Closure Of 717 TASMAC Shops
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands across the state.
Tamil Nadu TASMAC Liquor Shops To Shut
The order directs the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation to close the identified liquor shops within two weeks. The decision has been issued as one of the first major administrative moves by the new TVK government after assuming power in Tamil Nadu.
The government said the move was taken keeping public welfare in mind, especially in areas where liquor shops are located close to schools, religious places and major public transport points.
717 Liquor Outlets Near Schools And Temples
According to the state government’s figures, TASMAC currently operates 4,765 retail liquor shops across Tamil Nadu. Of the 717 shops marked for closure, 276 are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.
The decision is being seen as the first step in Vijay’s larger promise to move Tamil Nadu towards an “addiction-free” society. However, the move also carries financial implications, as TASMAC revenue remains a major contributor to the state exchequer.
Vijay Government Begins Liquor Policy Shift
The closure order comes amid wider political focus on TASMAC operations in Tamil Nadu. The state-run liquor corporation had earlier faced scrutiny over alleged irregularities, including claims linked to tenders, pricing and operational practices.
While prohibition and liquor regulation have long remained sensitive political issues in Tamil Nadu, the Vijay-led government’s first order signals a sharper policy shift on alcohol access near public and community spaces.
