Soon after assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay has taken a significant decision aimed at addressing public concerns over liquor outlets operating near sensitive locations. The newly sworn-in leader has directed officials to shut down 717 government-run liquor shops functioning within a 500-metre radius of schools, places of worship, and bus stands across the state.
The liquor outlets are operated by Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, the state-owned body responsible for regulating and selling liquor in Tamil Nadu. According to an official release from the Chief Minister’s office, the decision was made in the interest of public welfare after authorities conducted a detailed survey to identify shops located close to public institutions and crowded areas.
The survey revealed that several outlets were operating near places where large numbers of people gather every day. Officials found 276 liquor shops near religious places, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 close to bus stands. All of these outlets fall under the restricted 500-metre distance and have now been marked for closure. Authorities have been asked to complete the process within the next two weeks.
At present, Tamil Nadu has 4,765 retail liquor outlets operated by TASMAC. For years, social groups, residents, and political leaders have raised concerns about the presence of liquor shops near schools and temples, arguing that such locations create discomfort for families and students. The latest directive is seen as a response to those concerns.
The move also reflects the broader promises made by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam during the election campaign. The party had pledged to work toward building a drug-free Tamil Nadu and tightening the regulation of liquor sales in public spaces.
In recent times, TASMAC has also been under scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate, which conducted raids last year as part of an investigation into alleged irregularities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. While those investigations are still underway, the state government’s latest decision signals an attempt to bring stricter oversight to the liquor retail system.
The announcement has been widely discussed across the state, with many residents welcoming the step as a positive move toward making public spaces safer and more suitable for families, students, and daily commuters.