Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops located within 500 meters of temples, schools, and bus stands across the state. The decision affects outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which currently runs 4,765 shops statewide. The closures are expected to be implemented within two weeks and mark the first major policy move by Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), following the party’s decisive victory in the recent Assembly election.
According to official figures, TASMAC operates 276 shops near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands. The move aligns with Vijay’s pledge to build an “addiction-free” Tamil Nadu. While TASMAC contributes significantly to state revenue—reportedly exceeding ₹48,000 crore in 2025—the decision has received support from multiple political parties.
Meanwhile, TASMAC has also been under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate over alleged money-laundering cases. Last year, raids were conducted across the state, and the matter later reached the Supreme Court, which raised concerns about possible overreach by the federal agency during the probe.
