Chief Minister Vijay Orders Closure of 717 Liquor Shops Across Tamil Nadu Within Two Weeks

The decision applies exclusively to outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, widely known as TASMAC. The action follows an audit ordered by the Chief Minister to identify liquor retail shops functioning within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations.

According to the official release issued on Tuesday, the government identified 276 liquor outlets situated near places of worship, 186 outlets near educational institutions, and 255 outlets located close to bus stands. All identified shops have been directed to cease operations within the stipulated two-week period.

The government stated that the closures were ordered “considering the welfare of the public.” The administration emphasized that the move was aimed at addressing public concerns surrounding the proximity of liquor outlets to sensitive and high-footfall public locations.

At present, Tamil Nadu operates 4,765 TASMAC liquor retail outlets across the state. Following the audit ordered by Chief Minister Vijay, authorities compiled the list of shops allegedly violating the prescribed distance norms. The Chief Minister subsequently instructed officials to ensure the complete execution of the order within the given deadline.

The decision comes immediately after Vijay took oath as Chief Minister on Sunday, May 10, marking the beginning of his first term in office. The actor-turned-politician led his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, to a major electoral victory in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party secured 108 seats and formed the government with the support of several allied parties, enabling the coalition to cross the majority mark of 118 seats in the 234-member Assembly.

The order has also emerged amid heightened political exchanges in the state. M K Stalin recently criticised Vijay over remarks related to Tamil Nadu’s debt burden. Meanwhile, the crucial floor test for the TVK-led government to prove its majority in the Assembly is scheduled for May 13.

The closure of 717 liquor outlets represents one of the most significant early policy measures undertaken by the new administration. The move is expected to carry major political and social implications as the Vijay-led government seeks to establish its governance priorities during the initial days of its tenure.