Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC liquor shops located near sensitive public spaces [1].
The move addresses long-standing demands from political parties and women's groups who argued that the proximity of alcohol sales to educational and religious sites harmed community welfare [2, 3].
Under the new directive, any retail outlet situated within 500 metres of schools, temples, or bus stands must shut down [3]. This specific targeting includes 276 shops located near places of worship [1]. The administration said the closures must be implemented within two weeks [4].
Tamil Nadu currently operates a total of 4,765 TASMAC retail stores [5]. While the government emphasizes public health and safety, the removal of over 700 outlets has raised questions regarding potential losses in state revenue [3].
The initiative is part of a broader effort to amplify public welfare by removing the influence of liquor stores from areas frequented by children and worshippers [1, 2]. The state government intends to balance these social benefits against the economic impact of reducing the number of active retail points.
“Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC liquor shops.”
This directive represents a significant shift in the state's approach to alcohol retail by prioritizing social zoning over immediate government revenue. By removing liquor stores from the immediate vicinity of schools and temples, the administration is responding to grassroots pressure to reduce alcohol visibility and accessibility for minors and religious practitioners.
