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Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Closure of 717 TASMAC Liquor Shops Near Sensitive Areas

Newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops located within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations. The decision, effective within two weeks, follows a survey identifying 276 shops near worship sites, 186 near schools, and 255 near bus stands. Despite TASMAC's high revenue contribution, the move aligns with public welfare concerns and the TVK's manifesto promise for a drug-free state. The Enforcement Directorate has also investigated TASMAC under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Key Points: TN CM Vijay Shuts 717 TASMAC Shops Near Worship, Schools

  • 717 TASMAC shops to close within two weeks
  • Shops within 500m of worship, schools, bus stations
  • 276 near places of worship, 186 near schools, 255 near bus stands
  • Decision follows survey ordered by CM Vijay
  • TVK manifesto promised drug-free Tamil Nadu
2 min read

Tamil Nadu: CM Vijay orders closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets near places of worship, educational institutions, bus stations

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay orders closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets within 500m of temples, schools, and bus stations in two weeks, citing public welfare.

"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. - Official press release"

Chennai, May 12

Newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has 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, in the interest of 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.

"Taking public welfare into consideration, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has ordered the closure--within the next two weeks--of a total of 717 retail liquor shops, comprising 276 shops located near places of worship, 186 shops near educational institutions, and 255 shops near bus stands," the release added.

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.

The TASMAC has also come under the probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Last year, the probe agency had conducted raids at multiple premises across Tamil Nadu in connection with alleged offences related to Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) and associated entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in its manifesto has also promised a drug-free Tamil Nadu.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

N
Nisha Z
While this is welcome, the government loses huge revenue from TASMAC. Hope they have a plan to compensate for the loss. Also wonder if these shops will just move a few meters away? True reform needs stricter regulation and rehabilitation programs for addicts.
K
Karthik V
As someone who grew up near a TASMAC outlet, I've seen the drunken fights and harassment of women first-hand. This is a great first step. But why only 500 meters? Should be 1 km at least. Also need to stop illegal arrack shops. CM Vijay is doing good work! đź‘Ź
R
Rekha R
I'm a teacher and I've seen kids being offered alcohol by rowdies near our school. Thank God someone is finally listening. But what about the ones near hospitals? Why leave them out? Still, appreciate the move. Let's make Tamil Nadu drug-free as promised! ✨
J
James A
Interesting approach. In my home state, we have similar regulations but exemptions often apply. Hope this is enforced strictly. Also important to note that prohibition hasn't worked historically - better to focus on harm reduction and education.
D
Deepak U
ED probe on TASMAC is even more concerning. These shops are a front for money laundering. CM should order a complete audit of all TASMAC operations. Closing 717 shops is good but need to clean the whole system. Also bus stand closures will help reduce drunk driving accidents.
P

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