Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered the immediate closure of 717 government-run liquor shops. These shops, operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), must cease operations within two weeks. The directive targets outlets located within a 500-meter radius of educational institutions, places of worship, and bus stations.
Shop Closures Mandated
The order aims to protect public welfare. An inspection identified a significant number of TASMAC shops violating proximity regulations. Chief Minister Vijay mandated the closure to align with public interest guidelines.
Details of Identified Shops
TASMAC currently manages 4,765 liquor retail outlets across Tamil Nadu. The recent inspection pinpointed 717 shops for closure. These include:
- 276 shops near places of worship.
- 186 shops near educational institutions.
- 255 shops near bus stations.
Implementation Timeline
The affected shops have a strict two-week deadline to close. This timeframe ensures swift compliance with the Chief Minister's directive. The government will oversee the closure process.
Context of the Order
C Joseph Vijay assumed office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026. This order reflects a commitment to public safety and community well-being. The closures follow a comprehensive review of existing liquor outlet locations.
