In a significant move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has directed the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor retail outlets near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands within the state in the next two weeks. This decision, the first of its kind since the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government came into power, aims to fulfill a key campaign promise regarding public welfare and alcohol regulation.
During the recent Assembly election campaign, both Vijay and the TVK leadership strongly criticized past governments for promoting the expansion of liquor sales without addressing the negative impacts on families and youth. The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently manages 4,765 liquor retail outlets across the state.
Following the Chief Minister’s orders, officials conducted a thorough inspection to identify liquor shops operating within a 500-meter radius of sensitive public areas. The survey revealed that 276 outlets were near religious sites, while 186 were close to educational institutions, and 255 were situated near bus stands and transport hubs.
The government emphasized that this decision was made in the interest of public welfare. District administrations and TASMAC authorities have been tasked with initiating the closure process promptly and providing compliance reports within the specified timeframe. This move is expected to spark political discussions as TASMAC sales are a significant revenue source for the state.
