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Tamil Nadu Govt Orders Closure of 717 TASMAC Outlets Near Public Places

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets near temples, schools, and bus stands within two weeks. The inspection found 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands. The move fulfills a key campaign promise and is expected to trigger political debate due to TASMAC's revenue contribution. The decision has been welcomed by religious groups and anti-liquor campaigners.

Key Points: TN Govt Closes 717 TASMAC Outlets Near Schools, Temples

  • 717 TASMAC outlets to close near sensitive locations
  • 276 outlets near places of worship
  • 186 outlets near educational institutions
  • 255 outlets near bus stands and transport hubs
  • Decision fulfills key election campaign promise
2 min read

Vijay govt orders closure of 717 TASMAC outlets near temples, schools, bus stands

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

"Considering public welfare, the Chief Minister has directed that all the identified liquor retail outlets be closed within two weeks. - Official Statement"

Chennai, May 12

In a major policy move with significant political implications, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor retail outlets functioning near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands across the state within the next two weeks.

The decision marks the first large-scale regulatory intervention in the state-run liquor retail network since the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government assumed office.

The move is also seen as an attempt by the new administration to deliver on one of its key campaign promises related to public welfare and alcohol regulation.

During the Assembly election campaign, Vijay and the TVK leadership had sharply criticised successive governments for allegedly encouraging the expansion of liquor sales while ignoring its social and economic consequences on families and youth.

According to an official release, Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently operates 4,765 liquor retail outlets across Tamil Nadu.

Following directions from the Chief Minister, officials carried out a statewide inspection and review to identify liquor shops functioning within a 500-metre radius of sensitive public locations.

The survey reportedly found that 717 TASMAC outlets were operating within the restricted distance norms. Of these, 276 shops were located near temples, mosques and churches, while 186 were functioning close to schools and colleges. Another 255 outlets were found near bus stands and transport hubs frequented by the public on a daily basis.

The government said the Chief Minister had ordered immediate action, considering the larger public interest and welfare concerns.

"Considering public welfare, the Chief Minister has directed that all the identified liquor retail outlets be closed within two weeks," the official statement said.

Officials indicated that district administrations and TASMAC authorities have been instructed to begin the closure process immediately and submit compliance reports within the stipulated period.

The move is expected to trigger political debate in the coming days, particularly because TASMAC sales constitute a major source of revenue for the Tamil Nadu government.

At the same time, the decision is likely to be welcomed by religious organisations, parents' associations and anti-liquor campaign groups that have long demanded the relocation or closure of liquor outlets near public institutions and residential areas.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

V
Vikram M
Good step but sounds like political drama. They'll close these 717 shops now but watch them open 800 new ones in other areas. TASMAC is the state's cash cow - no CM has the guts to touch it fully. Still, credit where due for at least starting somewhere.
S
Sneha F
My grandfather used to say "கள்ளுக்கு அடிமையானவன் குடும்பத்தையே கெடுப்பான்" (one addicted to liquor destroys his family). This is a small but meaningful step. But we need more - proper rehabilitation centers for alcoholics too. What about those who lost their jobs at these shops? Hope government has a plan for them. 🥺
J
Jennifer L
Living in Chennai for work, I can say this is popular among locals. My neighbor's husband used to spend half his salary at TASMAC. But the revenue loss is real - around Rs. 40,000 crore annually from liquor sales. Hope TVK has alternative revenue sources lined up. Bold move politically.
R
Rahul R
As someone from a dry state like Gujarat who moved to TN for work, I find this encouraging. But why not implement total prohibition like Gujarat? Baby steps I guess. At least temples and schools will be free from that nuisance. Good job, CM. 👍
K
Karthik V
People celebrate this but forget the real issue. The problem isn't just TASMAC location - it's the entire drinking culture in our state. Parents need to talk to kids about alcohol. Schools should educate. This is a surface level fix. But better than doing nothing. Let's see if they enforce it strictly.

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