In one of the biggest policy moves since taking office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has directed officials to shut down 717 TASMAC liquor outlets operating near temples, schools, colleges and bus stands across the state within the next two weeks.
According to an official release shared by ANI, the decision came after Vijay ordered a detailed survey of TASMAC outlets soon after assuming office as Chief Minister.
The review checked whether government-run liquor shops were operating within 500 metres of places considered sensitive public zones — including religious sites, educational institutions and major bus stands.
Out of Tamil Nadu’s 4,765 TASMAC retail liquor outlets, authorities identified 717 shops falling within the restricted distance.
The breakdown includes:
- 276 shops near places of worship
- 186 near schools and colleges
- 255 near bus stands
After reviewing the report, Vijay instructed officials to close all identified outlets within two weeks, citing “public welfare” as the reason behind the decision.
A move that was already hinted at
For many people following Tamil Nadu politics closely, the announcement did not come completely out of nowhere.
Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, had previously spoken about creating a “drug-free Tamil Nadu” during their campaign prior to elections
The latest move appears to be one of the first major attempts to translate that messaging into actual policy action.
Even though demands to shut liquor shops have existed for years — raised by opposition parties, activists and local communities — large-scale closures have always been complicated by the massive income TASMAC generates for the state.
Which is why shutting 717 outlets in one go instantly grabbed attention.
Why this decision is getting people talking
For years, complaints around liquor shops near bus stands, schools and residential areas have repeatedly surfaced across districts.
People have argued that many outlets create issues like crowding, public drinking nearby, safety concerns for women commuters, and disturbances around educational zones.
Because in Tamil Nadu, TASMAC is one of those issues that instantly turns into a debate about governance, public life, revenue, morality and everyday convenience — all at the same time.
(With agency inputs)
