Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Closure of Over 700 Liquor Shops Across State

CHENNAI: Newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has announced a major policy decision by ordering the closure of more than 700 government-run liquor shops across the southern Indian state.
According to Indian media reports, Chief Minister Vijay directed authorities to immediately shut down 717 liquor outlets located within a 500-meter radius of temples, schools, and bus stands.
The liquor stores were operating under the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), and officials have reportedly been instructed to complete the closures within two weeks.
The move is being viewed as an attempt by the new administration to reduce alcohol consumption and address related social issues in the state.
The decision has generated mixed reactions on social media and in political circles. Supporters have praised the measure as being in the public interest, while critics have raised concerns about potential economic losses and reduced state revenue.
Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly in the recent elections and later formed the government with the support of allied parties.
The former film superstar recently took oath as Chief Minister, and the liquor shop closure order is being seen as one of the first major political decisions of his administration.