Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor outlets operated by Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) after they were found operating too close to schools, places of worship and bus stations across the southern Indian state.
The affected premises were identified as being located within 500 metres of public areas and sensitive locations frequently visited by members of the community.
According to the Tamil Nadu government, all outlets involved have been instructed to cease operations within two weeks.
The directive was issued following a review by authorities into the locations of liquor stores in several districts, some of which had previously sparked protests from local residents.
State officials said the move was aimed at reducing public exposure to alcohol, particularly among students and young people, while also improving public safety in densely populated areas.
The closures are also expected to address social disturbances often associated with liquor outlets operating near residential and public spaces.
TASMAC, a state-owned company, holds full control over liquor sales in Tamil Nadu and currently operates 4,765 liquor shops throughout the state.
Authorities revealed that 276 of the outlets were located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and another 255 close to bus stations.
Social organisations and religious groups had previously raised concerns that the presence of such outlets could negatively impact surrounding communities and influence younger generations.
The latest directive is also being viewed as part of Vijay’s broader political agenda under his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which had pledged to tighten controls on alcohol sales in Tamil Nadu.
The decision has attracted widespread attention due to the scale of the closures, marking one of the largest crackdowns involving state-run liquor shops in the region in recent years.
