Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay Orders Closure of 717 Liquor Shops in Major Policy Move

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops within two weeks, especially those located near schools, religious places, and bus stands. The decision is part of his “drug-free Tamil Nadu” pledge and follows a government survey of alcohol outlets. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which recently came to power, says the move is in the public interest.

Newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has taken his first major policy step in office by ordering the closure of more than 700 state-run liquor shops across the southern Indian state, signalling a strong early focus on public health and social welfare reforms.
According to an official press statement released on the Tamil Nadu government website, a total of 717 liquor retail outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) will be shut down within two weeks. These include 276 outlets located near places of worship, 186 situated close to educational institutions, and 255 positioned near bus depots and transport hubs.
The government described the decision as being taken in the “public interest,” emphasizing concerns over the proximity of alcohol outlets to sensitive community spaces. Officials stated that a detailed survey of TASMAC shops was conducted shortly after Vijay assumed office to identify outlets that violated distance guidelines from schools, religious centres, and public transport facilities.
The review found that a significant number of liquor shops were operating in densely populated or sensitive areas, prompting the government to initiate the phased closure process. Authorities have indicated that enforcement teams will ensure compliance within the two-week deadline set by the chief minister.
Tamil Nadu currently has approximately 4,765 TASMAC retail liquor outlets, meaning the latest directive will reduce the number of government-run alcohol shops substantially. The TASMAC system is the state’s sole legal retail distributor of alcoholic beverages and plays a major role in government revenue.
The decision is closely linked to Vijay’s election campaign promise of promoting a “drug-free Tamil Nadu,” which resonated strongly with younger voters and social reform groups. His political message emphasized reducing substance abuse and improving public health outcomes through stricter regulation of alcohol access.
The move comes just days after Vijay was sworn in as chief minister following a closely contested state election held on April 23. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a newly formed political movement established in 2024, surprised analysts by emerging as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu assembly election.
However, the party fell short of the 118-seat majority needed in the 234-member legislative assembly. Following post-election negotiations and support from allied lawmakers, Vijay was eventually able to form a government and take oath as chief minister, though his administration remains politically delicate.
His rise marks a significant shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, which has been dominated for decades by two major regional parties—the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). These two parties have traditionally alternated power in the state for nearly six decades.
Despite his strong start in office, Vijay is expected to face a crucial vote of confidence in the state assembly in the coming days, which will determine whether his government has stable legislative support. Political observers are closely watching whether his early policy moves will strengthen his position or deepen resistance from opposition groups and stakeholders affected by the liquor shop closures.