New Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay Orders Closure of 717 TASMAC Liquor Shops Near Schools and Temples
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay directs shutdown of liquor outlets located near educational institutions, religious places and bus stands within two weeks.
In a major decision soon after assuming office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor shops situated within 500 metres of schools, colleges, religious institutions and bus stands across the state.
According to reports, the Chief Minister cited “public welfare” as the primary reason behind the move. Soon after taking charge, CM Vijay instructed officials to conduct a statewide survey to identify TASMAC outlets operating near sensitive public locations.
An official review revealed that out of the 4,765 TASMAC retail liquor outlets currently functioning in Tamil Nadu, 717 shops fall within the restricted 500-metre zone. These include 276 liquor shops near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.
Following the survey findings, CM Vijay directed authorities to shut all identified outlets within the next two weeks.
The move is being seen as one of the first major administrative actions of the new Tamil Nadu government under Vijay’s leadership. The decision has drawn attention across the state, especially as TASMAC remains one of the biggest sources of revenue for the Tamil Nadu government.
Over the years, several political parties and social organisations have demanded the closure of liquor shops near schools, temples and public places, citing concerns related to public safety and social welfare.
TASMAC has also remained under scrutiny following investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Last year, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with alleged financial irregularities and offences linked to Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Joseph Vijay, had earlier promised in its election manifesto to work towards creating a drug-free Tamil Nadu. Political observers believe the latest action aligns with that promise and signals the government’s intent to implement stricter public welfare policies.
