Tamil Nadu Government Orders Closure of 717 TASMAC Shops Near Temples, Schools and Bus Stands

Chennai, May 2026 : In a major policy decision carrying significant political and social implications, the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor retail outlets located near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands across the state within the next two weeks.

The move marks the first major restructuring of the state-run liquor retail network since the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government assumed office and is being viewed as an important step towards fulfilling one of the party’s key election promises concerning alcohol regulation and public welfare.

During the Assembly election campaign, Vijay and senior TVK leaders had repeatedly criticised previous governments for allegedly promoting the expansion of liquor sales without adequately addressing its social impact on families, women and youth.

According to an official statement issued by the state government, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently operates 4,765 liquor retail outlets across Tamil Nadu.

Following instructions from the Chief Minister, state authorities conducted a detailed statewide survey and inspection to identify liquor shops functioning within a 500-metre radius of sensitive public locations, including temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges, bus stands and major transport hubs.

The review reportedly found that 717 TASMAC outlets were operating within the restricted distance limits.

Among them, 276 shops were located close to religious institutions such as temples, mosques and churches. Another 186 outlets were found near schools and colleges, while 255 liquor shops were functioning close to bus stands and transport centres regularly used by the public.

The government stated that the decision was taken keeping larger public welfare concerns in mind.

“Considering public welfare, the Chief Minister has directed that all the identified liquor retail outlets be closed within two weeks,” the official release said.

Officials added that district administrations and TASMAC authorities have already been instructed to initiate the closure process immediately and submit compliance reports within the stipulated deadline.

The move is expected to generate considerable political debate in the coming days, as TASMAC remains one of the Tamil Nadu government’s largest revenue-generating sectors. Any reduction in the number of liquor outlets could potentially impact state revenues, especially at a time when the new administration is preparing to roll out several welfare measures.

However, the decision is also likely to receive support from religious organisations, parents’ groups, social activists and anti-liquor campaigners who have for years demanded the relocation or closure of liquor outlets near schools, places of worship and densely populated residential areas.

Political observers say the move could strengthen the TVK government’s public image as an administration attempting to balance revenue concerns with social welfare commitments.

The closure order also signals the Vijay-led government’s intention to introduce stricter oversight and regulation of liquor sales in the state, an issue that has remained politically sensitive in Tamil Nadu for decades.