Newly elected Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister (CM) Vijay or Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar has directed the closure of 717 government-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) liquor outlets. With Vijay gaining power as the new CM of Tamil Nadu, he has issued directives to close down 717 government-run TASMAC stores located within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state.
TN CM Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu. The shops that have been ordered to be shut down are located within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state. CM Vijay has ordered the shutdown within the next two weeks, citing “public welfare” as the reason for this move.
According to an official release published by ANI or Asian News International, TASMAC currently operates 4,756 retail liquor outlets across the state. Following CM Vijay’s directive, a review has been conducted to identify shops situated within the 500-meter limit of the specified locations.
As per the survey, 717 outlets violate the set regulations by falling within the restricted zone. These include 276 shops located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands.
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TASMAC remains a major source of revenue for the Tamil Nadu government. Many demands for the closure of several liquor shops have been raised by political parties over the years.
The corporation has also faced scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate multiple times. In 2025, the agency carried out searches at multiple locations in Tamil Nadu as part of an investigation linked to alleged offences involving TASMAC and related entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Vijay, also fondly called Thalapathy Vijay, swore in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026. As one of his first official orders after becoming the new CM of Tamil Nadu, he promised assurances on eradicating corruption in government systems. He also assured of enforcing a special task force for women’s safety and revolutionizing schemes concerning education. He introduced three public welfare schemes related to electricity, women’s safety, and drug eradication.
His decision to order the shutdown of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets is being projected by the new government as a key social reform measure. It is being hailed for addressing concerns over the accessibility of liquor in sensitive public areas such as places of worship and schools.
The actor-turned-politician commented, “Liquor sales should never be a function of the government; the government must take responsibility for regulating the flow of alcohol. The Tamil Nadu government must move towards this position. Today, it has begun by closing 717 liquor shops. This number must be increased. This action must be continued. Congratulations.”
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The Tamil Nadu TASMAC liquor shops' closure by CM Vijay is generating mixed responses across the country. While many are praising his effort to curb alcohol accessibility in sensitive public areas, others are criticizing his move, citing that it could affect state revenue. What do you think about this move?
