Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC liquor shops located near schools, temples, and bus stands on Tuesday [1].
The move targets the removal of alcohol sales from high-traffic public areas to protect public welfare. By distancing liquor outlets from educational institutions and places of worship, the administration aims to reduce the accessibility of alcohol to students and religious pilgrims.
Under the new directive, any TASMAC outlet situated within 500 meters [2] of a school, temple, or bus stand must be shut down. The Chief Minister said these closures must be completed within two weeks [3].
TASMAC, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, operates a vast network of retail outlets across the state. There are currently 4,765 total retail outlets in Tamil Nadu [4]. The 717 shops identified for closure represent a significant portion of the state's alcohol distribution network, though the government has not yet detailed how the loss of these specific locations will affect state revenue.
Officials said the decision is rooted in the need to maintain the sanctity of religious sites and the safety of students. The directive applies uniformly across the state, ensuring that no liquor shop remains within the restricted 500-meter radius [2] of the specified public landmarks.
This administrative action follows a pattern of public health and welfare initiatives in the region. The government has not announced if these shops will be relocated to different areas or if the licenses will be permanently revoked.
“Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC liquor shops”
This directive signals a shift toward prioritizing social welfare and public morality over the immediate convenience of state-run liquor revenue. By targeting the 500-meter buffer zone around schools and temples, the administration is addressing long-standing community concerns regarding the proximity of alcohol to vulnerable populations and sacred spaces.
