Chennai, 12 May (H.S.): In one of the first major policy decisions after assuming office, the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets functioning near temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges and bus stands across the State within the next two weeks.

The move is being viewed as a significant attempt by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government to fulfil its election promise of regulating liquor sales and addressing social concerns linked to alcohol consumption. During the Assembly election campaign, Vijay had repeatedly criticised previous governments for expanding liquor sales despite public opposition and its impact on families and youth.

According to an official release, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently operates 4,765 liquor retail outlets across the State. Following directions from the Chief Minister, authorities conducted a State-wide inspection to identify liquor shops functioning within a 500-metre radius of sensitive public locations.

The review found that 717 TASMAC outlets were operating within restricted zones. Of these, 276 shops were located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands and transport hubs frequently accessed by the public.

The government stated that the Chief Minister had ordered immediate action in view of larger public welfare concerns. District administrations and TASMAC officials have been instructed to begin the closure process without delay and submit compliance reports within the stipulated period.

The decision is expected to spark political debate as TASMAC revenue remains one of the Tamil Nadu government’s major income sources. However, the move is likely to receive support from religious organisations, parents’ associations and anti-liquor groups that have long demanded the removal of liquor shops situated close to public institutions and residential areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman