📅 May 13, 2026 | By Pulse India News Desk
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has taken his first major administrative decision after assuming office, directing authorities to shut down 717 TASMAC liquor outlets located near schools, colleges, temples, churches, mosques and bus stands across the state.
The order, issued during a high-level review meeting in Chennai, mandates officials to close all such outlets operating within a 500-metre radius of sensitive public spaces within two weeks. The move is being seen as one of the strongest early policy signals from the new government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
According to state officials, the outlets identified for closure include:
- 276 liquor shops near religious places
- 186 outlets near educational institutions
- 255 shops located close to bus stands and transport hubs
The Tamil Nadu government currently operates nearly 4,765 TASMAC liquor stores across the state, making it one of the country’s largest state-run alcohol retail networks.
A Key Election Promise Begins To Take Shape
During the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign, Vijay repeatedly promised stricter regulation of alcohol sales and had projected a long-term vision of a “drug-free and socially healthier Tamil Nadu.”
The latest order appears to be the first concrete step toward that promise.
Political observers say the move is designed to send a strong message that the new administration intends to prioritise public welfare and social reform, even in areas that directly impact state revenue.
Why TASMAC Remains Politically Sensitive
TASMAC. the state-owned liquor retail monopoly has long remained one of Tamil Nadu’s most politically controversial institutions.
While the corporation generates tens of thousands of crores in annual revenue for the state government, critics have repeatedly raised concerns over:
- Rising alcoholism
- Impact on youth and students
- Safety concerns around schools and public spaces
- Social and domestic issues linked to liquor accessibility
Women’s groups and civil society organisations have also campaigned for years demanding the relocation or closure of liquor shops situated near residential and educational areas.
Revenue vs Social Welfare Debate
The decision could reignite debate over the balance between welfare policies and revenue generation.
TASMAC reportedly generated over ₹48,000 crore in revenue for Tamil Nadu in 2025 alone. Any large-scale reduction in liquor outlet operations may eventually affect state finances, though the government has so far framed the move as a social correction rather than a prohibition measure.
Officials have clarified that the current order only targets shops violating proximity norms and does not indicate a complete ban on liquor sales.
Public Reaction: “Finally Someone Took Action”
The decision by C. Joseph Vijay to shut 717 TASMAC liquor shops has triggered massive public debate across Tamil Nadu, with reactions ranging from strong praise to cautious political criticism.
Many residents, especially women, parents, and social activists, welcomed the move, saying liquor shops near schools, temples, and bus stands had become a long-standing public nuisance. Reports from Trichy and Madurai showed several locals praising the order and calling it a “much-needed correction.”
People living near TASMAC outlets reportedly complained for years about:
- Public drunkenness near bus stands
- Harassment of women and students
- Noise and anti-social behaviour near residential areas
- Safety concerns around schools and religious places
Some citizens on social media described Vijay’s move as his “first people-centric decision” as Chief Minister. Videos of public reactions from Tamil news channels and YouTube platforms showed many residents supporting stricter liquor control policies.
Support From Congress And Allies
Several parties supporting the TVK-led government publicly backed the decision.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai praised Vijay’s order and called it a positive step for public welfare during Vijay’s outreach meeting with alliance partners.
Leaders from the IUML and Left parties also indicated support for measures aimed at reducing alcohol accessibility near public spaces and educational institutions. Political observers say the move aligns with a broader cross-party sentiment in Tamil Nadu that TASMAC outlets require tighter regulation.
DMK’s Reaction: Careful But Critical
The opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin did not directly oppose the closure decision. However, DMK leaders questioned whether the government would eventually reduce overall TASMAC dependence or merely relocate shops.
Some DMK voices reportedly argued that previous governments had also faced pressure to regulate liquor sales, and that the issue required broader policy reform rather than symbolic action alone.
Political analysts say the DMK is being cautious because opposing the move openly could create backlash among women and youth voters.
BJP And Other Critics
Tamil Nadu BJP leaders largely avoided attacking the closure order itself, since liquor regulation near schools and temples has public support. However, some critics questioned whether the move was politically timed to build Vijay’s “clean governance” image immediately after taking office.
Others asked whether the closures would genuinely reduce alcohol consumption or simply shift sales to nearby areas.
Business Concerns Emerging
Not everyone is fully happy with the decision.
Some small shop owners and businesses operating near TASMAC outlets reportedly expressed concern that reduced customer footfall could affect their income. In certain localities, tea shops, eateries, and petty vendors depended heavily on crowds near liquor outlets.
Bigger Political Message
For Vijay, the decision also carries symbolic importance.
After transitioning from cinema superstar to Chief Minister, many political analysts were closely watching how quickly his government would move from campaign rhetoric to governance.
By targeting liquor outlets near public institutions in his first major order, Vijay appears to be positioning his administration as reform-oriented and youth-focused.
Whether this becomes the beginning of wider TASMAC reforms or remains a limited corrective measure will likely become clearer in the coming months.
