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Kamal Haasan Praises CM Vijay's Move to Close 717 TASMAC Liquor Shops

Kamal Haasan welcomed Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's decision to close 717 TASMAC liquor outlets near sensitive locations. Haasan stated that liquor sales should not be a government function and urged stricter regulation. The closures target outlets within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. Haasan called for expanding the number of closures and continuing the action.

Key Points: Kamal Haasan Supports CM Vijay's TASMAC Shop Closure

  • Kamal Haasan praises CM Vijay's decision
  • 717 TASMAC outlets near worship places, schools, bus stands to close
  • Haasan says liquor sales shouldn't be govt function
  • Move taken within two weeks of assuming office
  • Calls for increased number of closures
3 min read

"Liquor sales should never be a function of govt": Kamal Haasan praises CM Vijay's move to shut 717 TASMAC outlets

Kamal Haasan welcomes Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's decision to shut 717 TASMAC liquor outlets near sensitive areas, calling for stricter alcohol regulation.

"Liquor sales should never be a function of the government; the government must take responsibility for regulating the flow of alcohol. - Kamal Haasan"

Chennai, May 12

Makkal Needhi Maiyam president and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan on Tuesday welcomed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's decision to close 717 TASMAC liquor retail outlets located near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands across the state.

In a post on X, Haasan said Tamil families had long expected liquor shops near sensitive public places to be removed and praised the Tamil Nadu government for acting immediately after assuming office.

"Even as the expectation of Tamil families was that liquor retail shops near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands should be removed, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Brother Vijay, has taken this action immediately upon assuming office," Haasan said.

The actor-politician further said liquor sales should not be a function of the government and called for stricter regulation of alcohol distribution.

"Liquor sales should never be a function of the government; the government must take responsibility for regulating the flow of alcohol. The Tamil Nadu government must move towards this position. Today, it has begun by closing 717 liquor shops. This number must be increased. This action must be continued," he said.

He further congratulated the Chief Minister over the decision.

Earlier, newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor retail outlets located within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations in the state within two weeks, citing public welfare.

After assuming the office of CM, Vijay ordered a survey of TASMAC liquor shops to identify the ones operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands.

"With the welfare of the general public in mind, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has issued orders to close--within two weeks--717 retail liquor shops situated within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. Currently, 4,765 retail liquor shops are being operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. From among these, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, issued directives to conduct a survey and identify those shops located within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. In accordance with the aforementioned order, it was identified that 717 retail liquor shops are currently operating within these three specified categories," a press release read.

Although TASMAC liquor shops make up for high revenue for the Tamil Nadu government, there have been calls across party lines to close several of these retail outlets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate this move, we need to think about the revenue loss - TASMAC contributes thousands of crores to state exchequer. But I agree with Kamal Haasan that regulating alcohol is better than profiting from it. Maybe increase taxes on premium brands and use that money for de-addiction centers? That would be a balanced approach.
K
Kavya N
Living in Madurai, I've seen how TASMAC shops near bus stands attract rowdy elements. My daughter couldn't walk past that area safely. This closure of 717 shops is a great start - but why stop there? Every TASMAC near residential areas should be relocated. CM Vijay is showing real leadership. Kamal sir's support adds weight to this cause.
V
Vikram M
Kamal Haasan is spot on. Government should not be in the business of selling liquor - it's a conflict of interest. But we must also address the root cause: unemployment leads many to alcohol. If Vijay govt can create jobs and also regulate liquor, that's a winning formula. Let's see the implementation now - actions speak louder than press releases.
R
Rohit P
Great to see cross-party appreciation! Kamal Haasan and Vijay CM showing that welfare comes before politics. But I'm skeptical - will this actually reduce consumption or just push people to illegal arrack? Need strict enforcement and awareness campaigns alongside closures. Still, a bold first step. Let's hope this isn't just a populist move.
A
Ananya R
As someone from Coimbatore, I'm relieved! My college was right next to a TASMAC and it was dangerous for girl students after 6 PM.

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