Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops situated near temples, schools, colleges, and bus stands across the state.
Officials said the decision was taken as part of the government’s public welfare initiative aimed at reducing alcohol access near sensitive public areas. The closures are expected to be implemented within two weeks.
Government data revealed that the affected outlets include 276 shops near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands.
The move marks one of the first major administrative decisions by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government after taking office.
TASMAC, the state-run liquor retailer, operates thousands of outlets across Tamil Nadu and contributes significantly to the state’s revenue. However, liquor shops located near residential and public areas have faced criticism from social activists and women’s groups for several years. News as Reported.
