Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Closure of Liquor Shops Near Schools, Religious Sites, and Bus Stands

CHENNAI: Newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of liquor shops located near schools, places of worship, and bus stands across the Indian state.
According to Indian media reports, the directive will affect 717 state-run liquor outlets operating under the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC).
The order issued by the Chief Minister instructed authorities to permanently shut down liquor shops located within a 500-meter radius of temples, mosques, educational institutions, and bus terminals within one to two weeks.
A press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office on Tuesday stated that the decision was made following a survey that identified liquor outlets situated near sensitive public locations.
Reports said that TASMAC currently operates 4,765 liquor shops throughout Tamil Nadu, of which 717 were found to be located close to schools, religious places, and transport hubs.
The move comes amid increasing public demands for the removal of liquor shops from residential and sensitive areas.
Vijay, a senior Tamil film actor who recently entered politics, formed his political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and led it to victory in the state elections.
His party emerged as the largest force in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly by winning 108 seats, defeating the long-dominant Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
After taking oath as Chief Minister, Vijay described his tenure as “a new beginning” and announced several welfare initiatives, including 200 free electricity units for domestic consumers, the formation of a special force for women’s protection, and measures aimed at promoting social justice.
He also thanked Generation Z voters, saying their support played a major role in TVK’s election victory by convincing their families to vote for the party.