Tamil Nadu shuts 717 TASMAC liquor outlets, launches anti‑corruption drive

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay ordered a sweeping crackdown on the state‑run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The government permanently closed 717 TASMAC retail shops, many located near schools, temples and transport hubs, and announced that all liquor‑sale revenue must flow directly into the state treasury.

Officials say the crackdown targets an alleged diversion of about ₹102 crore each month, amounting to roughly ₹1,600 crore over the past five years. The scheme allegedly involved unofficial “party fund’’ collections of up to ₹90 per liquor case and similar levies on beer and wine. The administration also plans to review the controversial ₹10 empty‑bottle deposit‑and‑buyback system. While the closures could cut annual liquor revenue by ₹7‑8 billion, the government rules out raising prices or privatising TASMAC. New measures include a strict 21‑plus age limit with biometric ID checks and the promise of further transparency mechanisms.