In one of his first major decisions after taking charge as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) liquor shops operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state within the next two weeks.
The move comes amid growing political and public pressure over the presence of liquor outlets in densely populated public spaces. Vijay, whose Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had promised a “drug-free Tamil Nadu” during the election campaign, directed officials to conduct a statewide survey soon after assuming office.
According to an official release, TASMAC currently operates 4,765 liquor retail outlets across the state. Following the Chief Minister’s directive, authorities identified 717 shops functioning within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands.
The government said the closures were being carried out “in the interest of public welfare”.
“With the welfare of the general public in mind, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has issued orders to close–within two weeks–717 retail liquor shops situated within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. Currently, 4,765 retail liquor shops are being operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. From among these, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, issued directives to conduct a survey and identify those shops located within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. In accordance with the aforementioned order, it was identified that 717 retail liquor shops are currently operating within these three specified categories,” a press release read.
Of the identified outlets, 276 shops are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands, the release stated.
Why TASMAC outlets have remained politically sensitive in Tamil Nadu
TASMAC outlets have long been a contentious political issue in Tamil Nadu despite being a major source of revenue for the state government. Opposition parties, social organisations, and local residents have repeatedly demanded the closure or relocation of shops operating close to schools, residential areas and religious sites.
The issue has also featured prominently in election campaigns over the years, with parties promising stricter regulation of liquor sales and steps to reduce alcohol dependence in the state.
ED probe had put TASMAC under spotlight
The TASMAC network had also come under scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate last year. The agency conducted searches at multiple locations in Tamil Nadu in connection with alleged irregularities linked to TASMAC and associated entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The latest decision is expected to be projected by the Vijay government as part of its larger public welfare and anti-drug agenda.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam manifesto had promised measures aimed at creating a “drug-free Tamil Nadu”.