Chennai: In his first major administrative decision after taking oath, C. Joseph Vijay, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has announced the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops located near religious places, schools, colleges and bus stands across the state.
According to the official order, all state-run liquor outlets functioning within 500 metres of temples, mosques, churches, educational institutions and bus stands must be shut down within the next two weeks.
Officials stated that out of 4,765 TASMAC outlets operating across Tamil Nadu, 276 were found near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.
The move is being widely viewed as a significant step toward tightening liquor regulations and addressing long-standing public concerns regarding alcohol outlets operating close to sensitive public spaces.
The decision has sparked strong reactions on social media, with many supporters calling it a bold and impactful governance move early in Chief Minister Vijay’s tenure.
