Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets located within 500 metres of temples, schools and bus stands, marking the first major administrative decision of the new government after assuming office.
The Tamil Nadu government has directed all identified outlets to shut down within the next two weeks. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government described the move as the first major step towards its “drug-free Tamil Nadu” campaign and broader social reform agenda.
Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) is the state-run body that regulates liquor sales in Tamil Nadu. Retail liquor sales in the state are almost entirely operated through TASMAC.
According to government data, Tamil Nadu currently has 4,765 TASMAC outlets. Of the 717 outlets ordered to close:
- 276 are located near religious places
- 186 are located near educational institutions
- 255 are located around bus stands
The government stated that the decision was taken in the interest of “public welfare and social safety”.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Although the party did not secure a full majority, Joseph Vijay formed the government with the support of Congress, Left parties and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.
Political analysts said the decision to close liquor outlets is aimed at sending a b social message to the public. Protests have been held in the state for several years over liquor outlets operating near schools and temples.
Social organisations, religious groups and parent associations had repeatedly demanded the removal of liquor shops from sensitive public areas.
While the move is being viewed as a social reform measure, it could affect the state’s finances as TASMAC remains one of the largest sources of revenue for the Tamil Nadu government.
Reports stated that the state government earned nearly ₹48,000 crore in revenue from liquor sales in 2025. The closure of 717 outlets could therefore affect government income.
Despite this, the Vijay government indicated that it is prepared to prioritise social reform and public sentiment.
The decision comes amid previous controversies surrounding TASMAC. In recent months, the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on TASMAC and associated institutions over alleged financial irregularities.
The agency alleged irregularities in liquor trade tenders, transport contracts and bar licence allocations. Reports claimed suspicious transactions worth nearly ₹1,000 crore.
Some TASMAC outlets were also accused of collecting illegal additional charges ranging from ₹10 to ₹30 per bottle.
The Enforcement Directorate action had earlier triggered political controversy in Tamil Nadu. The then Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government alleged that central agencies were being used for political pressure.
The matter later reached the Supreme Court of India, where questions related to the federal structure and states’ rights were also raised.
Former Excise Minister S. Muthusamy had described the Enforcement Directorate action as politically motivated.
Experts said the closure of 717 TASMAC outlets could mark the beginning of wider liquor policy reforms in Tamil Nadu.
The government has not announced complete prohibition so far, but political analysts stated that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government may gradually tighten liquor control measures in phases.
The decision by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is being regarded as one of the earliest and most discussed measures of his political tenure.
