Tamil Nadu CM Vijay orders shutdown of 717 TASMAC liquor shops near schools and bus stands

Just days after taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} has announced one of his biggest governance decisions yet — the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor outlets located near schools, places of worship, and bus stands across the state. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

According to the Tamil Nadu government, the liquor shops identified for closure are operating within a 500-metre radius of sensitive public spaces. Officials have been instructed to complete the shutdown process within the next two weeks. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Out of the 717 outlets marked for closure, 276 are located near religious places, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 close to bus stands. Tamil Nadu currently has 4,765 TASMAC retail liquor stores operating across the state. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The move is being projected as a major social reform step by Vijay’s government, aligning with his promise of building an “addiction-free Tamil Nadu.” The decision has already sparked strong reactions online, with many praising the focus on student safety and public welfare. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

However, the policy could also trigger debates over revenue loss, since TASMAC remains one of Tamil Nadu’s biggest sources of state income through liquor sales. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}