In his first major administrative decision after taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor retail outlets operating near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands across the state.

The order directs authorities to shut down all such Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) outlets functioning within a 500-metre radius of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges and bus stands within the next two weeks.

According to the Tamil Nadu government, the state currently has a total of 4,765 Tasmac liquor retail shops. Of the 717 identified for closure, 276 are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.

The move marks Vijay’s first major policy intervention within hours of assuming office and is being projected by the new government as a key social reform measure aimed at addressing concerns over the accessibility of liquor in sensitive public areas.

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Published By:

Karishma Saurabh Kalita

Published On:

May 12, 2026 08:17 IST