Tamil Nadu Government Orders Closure of Over 700 TASMAC Liquor Outlets Near Religious Sites and Schools

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Orders Closure of 700 Liquor Shops Near Places of Worship and Educational Institutions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of over 700 TASMAC liquor shops located near places of worship and educational institutions across the state. The direction comes just two days after Vijay assumed the office of CM.

The Chief Minister has directed officials to carry out a survey to identify shops situated within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands. According to an official press release, 717 retail liquor shops are currently operating within these three specified categories and will be shut down within two weeks.

The move comes after Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) promised in its manifesto to make Tamil Nadu drug-free. Although TASMAC liquor outlets contribute significantly to Tamil Nadu’s revenue, political parties across the spectrum have repeatedly demanded the closure of several such retail shops.

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The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation operates 4,765 retail liquor outlets across the state. The closure of 717 liquor shops will affect a significant portion of these outlets.

TVK's Victory and Formation of Government

The TVK party, which contested its maiden Assembly election, emerged as the single largest party by winning 108 seats. Party founder Vijay emerged victorious from both Perambur and Trichy East constituencies. After securing support from other parties, TVK's strength increased to 120 in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.

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TVK, which formed its first government, has made history by electing Joseph Vijay as the first leader outside the DMK and AIADMK alliances to head the Tamil Nadu government since 1967.