Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor shops located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state, in a major public welfare decision. The shutdown is to be implemented within two weeks, according to an official statement.

The directive comes after a fresh statewide survey of liquor outlets operated by TASMAC, which manages 4,765 retail liquor shops in Tamil Nadu. The review was initiated soon after Vijay assumed office, targeting outlets situated in sensitive public zones.

According to the government press release, 717 shops were identified as violating the 500-metre safety buffer norm. This includes 276 shops near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 located close to bus stands.

Officials said the decision has been taken “in the interest of public welfare,” and closure orders will be enforced within a strict two-week timeline.

Why is the Tamil Nadu government shutting these TASMAC shops now?

The decision is part of a wider policy push focusing on public safety and social concerns linked to liquor retail proximity to schools, temples, and transport hubs. While TASMAC remains one of the key revenue generators for the state, demands for stricter regulation of outlet locations have been growing across political lines.

Adding to the scrutiny, Enforcement Directorate had last year conducted raids at multiple premises linked to TASMAC and associated entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Meanwhile, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has already included a “drug-free Tamil Nadu” promise in its election manifesto, signalling that liquor regulation will continue to remain a key political talking point in the state.

With ANI inputs