Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Closure Of 717 Liquor Shops Near Temples, Schools And Bus Stands
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Closure Of 717 Liquor Shops Near Temples, Schools And Bus Stands
Chennai, May 13, 2026: In his first major decision after taking oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay has directed the closure of 717 state-run liquor outlets operating close to religious places, educational institutions and bus stands across the state.
The order instructs authorities to shut down all Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) shops located within a 500-metre radius of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges and major bus stands within the next two weeks.
According to state government data, Tamil Nadu currently has 4,765 Tasmac outlets. Of the shops identified for closure, 276 are situated near religious places, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.
The move is being viewed as the new government’s first major social reform initiative aimed at restricting easy access to alcohol in sensitive public areas. However, the decision may also have financial implications, as Tasmac remains one of the state’s largest revenue-generating public sector undertakings.
The announcement received support from several political leaders and parties. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan welcomed the decision and urged the government to continue reducing the number of liquor outlets in the state. He said alcohol sales should not remain a primary function of the government and called for stronger regulation of liquor distribution.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore also praised the move, describing it as a long-standing public demand aimed at improving safety for women, students and commuters.
The 51-year-old actor-turned-politician assumed office on Sunday after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single-largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party formed the state’s first coalition government with support from Congress, Left parties, VCK and the Muslim League.
Apart from the liquor shop closures, Vijay also approved 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, sanctioned the formation of a special women’s safety force, and ordered anti-drug units to be established in every district.
In his first public address after taking office, Vijay also announced that the government would release a white paper detailing Tamil Nadu’s financial position between 2021 and 2026. He alleged that the state was facing a severe debt burden exceeding ₹10 lakh crore and promised stronger governance, law and order measures, and enhanced women’s safety initiatives.
