All liquor shops near temples, schools to be shut across Tamil Nadu
Chennai: In a major move aimed at public welfare, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor outlets functioning near religious places, educational institutions and bus stands across the state. The shops will be shut within the next two weeks, according to an official government order issued on Tuesday.
Tamil Nadu currently operates 4,765 TASMAC liquor retail outlets. Following a statewide survey ordered by the Chief Minister, authorities identified 717 shops located within a 500-metre radius of sensitive public locations. These include 276 shops near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.
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The government stated that the decision was taken keeping public welfare and social concerns in mind. The move comes amid the increasing demands from political parties and social groups seeking the closure of liquor outlets situated close to crowded public spaces.
Despite TASMAC being a major source of revenue for the Tamil Nadu government, the corporation has faced growing criticism in recent years. It has also been under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which conducted raids last year in connection with alleged irregularities and money laundering investigations linked to TASMAC operations.
The decision also aligns with the election promises made by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which had pledged to work towards a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
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Earlier this week, Chief Minister Vijay also announced the formation of the “Singa Pen Sirappu Anti-Drug Force,” a special unit focused on women’s safety and anti-drug enforcement. The force has been tasked with preventing drug-related crimes, protecting women and youth from narcotics networks, and taking strict action against offenders involved in crimes against women across the state.
