Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Vijay ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor shops located near schools, temples, and bus stands [1].
The move addresses long-standing demands from political parties and women's groups to curb alcohol addiction and improve public welfare. By removing these outlets from high-traffic areas and educational zones, the administration aims to reduce the accessibility of alcohol to students and worshippers.
According to the order, shops will be shut down if they are located within 500 meters [2] of these sensitive locations. Among the total closures, 276 shops were identified as being near places of worship [1].
The decision impacts a significant portion of the state's liquor distribution network. There are currently 4,765 total TASMAC retail stores operating across Tamil Nadu [3].
State officials said the closures are intended to amplify public welfare. However, the move has raised concerns regarding the potential loss of government revenue, as TASMAC stores are a primary source of income for the state treasury [2].
The initiative follows pressure from community advocates who argue that the proximity of liquor stores to schools and religious sites creates an environment conducive to addiction and social instability. The administration is prioritizing the social cost of alcohol over the immediate financial gains from these specific retail locations [1].
“Chief Minister C. Vijay ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor shops.”
This policy represents a shift toward social welfare over state revenue in Tamil Nadu. While the closure of 717 outlets is a targeted move, the potential loss of income from these state-run stores may force the government to find alternative funding for public services or adjust the pricing and distribution of the remaining 4,000+ shops to offset the deficit.
