Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor shops near temples, schools

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, an actor‑turned‑politician, issued an order on 12 May 2026 to shut 717 state‑run TASMAC liquor outlets that are located within 500 metres of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges and bus termini across the state. The targeted shops comprise 276 near places of worship, 186 close to educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.

The state runs a total of 4,765 TASMAC retail outlets, and officials have been instructed to complete the closures within two weeks and submit compliance reports. Authorities will also monitor nearby outlets for possible overcrowding after the shutdowns. The move is presented as an early effort by the newly elected Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government to balance revenue considerations with public welfare, women’s safety and youth protection, and is highlighted as the first major liquor‑policy action of Vijay’s administration.