Within days of taking office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay has directed the closure of 717 government-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands. The order, issued in the interest of public welfare, requires the closures to be completed within two weeks.
According to the Department of Information and Public Relations, Tamil Nadu, the decision followed a statewide survey ordered by the Chief Minister to identify liquor shops operating near these sensitive locations. Of the 4,765 TASMAC outlets currently functioning across the state, 717 were found to fall within the restricted 500-metre radius.
The move marks one of the first major administrative decisions of Vijay’s government and addresses a long-standing public demand to relocate or shut down liquor outlets situated near temples, schools and transport hubs.
Despite TASMAC being a significant source of revenue for the state, the corporation has faced increasing scrutiny over the years. It has also been investigated by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with alleged money laundering-related irregularities.
