Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Vijay ordered the shutdown of 717 state-run TASMAC liquor shops on Tuesday [1].
The directive marks one of the first major administrative actions of the new government, signaling a shift toward stricter alcohol regulation in the state. By targeting outlets in sensitive areas, the administration aims to reduce the accessibility of alcohol to students and worshippers.
The order was issued within two days of Vijay taking the oath as chief minister [1]. Under the new mandate, TASMAC must complete the shutdown of the identified shops within two weeks [1].
The closures specifically target outlets located within 500 meters of educational institutions, places of worship, and bus stands [1]. These locations were flagged as high-risk areas where the proximity of liquor sales could negatively impact public order and youth health.
Officials said the move is part of a broader pledge by the chief minister to create an "addiction-free Tamil Nadu" [1]. The decision also responds to long-standing, cross-party calls for more rigorous regulation of the state's alcohol trade [1].
TASMAC, the state-run corporation that holds a monopoly on liquor retail in Tamil Nadu, is now tasked with executing the closures across the state [1]. The administration has not yet specified if these 717 outlets will be relocated to different zones or permanently abolished.
“717 state-run TASMAC liquor shops [ordered to close]”
This rapid administrative action demonstrates a priority to align state revenue from alcohol sales with public health and moral objectives. By removing liquor outlets from the immediate vicinity of schools and temples, the government is attempting to reduce the normalization of alcohol consumption among minors and religious communities, potentially setting a precedent for further statewide prohibition measures.
