Vijay's big CM move: 717 liquor shops near religious places, schools shut in Tamil Nadu

Vijay ordered the closure of 717 Tasmac liquor shops located within 500 metres of religious places, educational institutions and bus stands across Tamil Nadu within two weeks.

In Short

• Vijay orders to shut liquor shops within 500 metres of schools, religious places
• Free 200 units electricity for domestic users, new women safety force announced
• TVK govt to release white paper on state debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore

In his first major administrative decision after taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor retail outlets operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state.

The order directs authorities to shut down all such Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) outlets functioning within a 500-metre radius of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges and bus stands within the next two weeks.

According to the Tamil Nadu government, the state currently has a total of 4,765 Tasmac liquor retail shops. Of the 717 identified for closure, 276 are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.

The move marks Vijay’s first major policy intervention within hours of assuming office and is being projected by the new government as a key social reform measure aimed at addressing concerns over the accessibility of liquor in sensitive public areas.

Tasmac, however, remains one of the state’s biggest revenue-generating public sector undertakings and the decision to shut its outlets is likely to trigger discussions over its financial implications for the Tamil Nadu government and its ability to meet the welfare promises.

The decision was welcomed by political parties and leaders, who described it as a step towards addressing a long-standing demand and strengthening liquor regulation.

Actor and Makkal Neethi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan congratulated Vijay for the move, while urging the government to shut down more outlets and take greater responsibility in regulating the flow of alcohol.

"Even as the expectation of Tamil families was that liquor retail shops near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands should be removed, Hon'ble Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Brother Vijay has taken this action immediately upon assuming office," he said.

The actor added, "Liquor sales should never be a function of the government; the government must take responsibility for regulating the flow of alcohol. The Tamil Nadu government must move towards this position. Today, it has begun by closing 717 liquor shops. This number must be increased. This action must be continued. Congratulations."

Congress also welcomed the move, describing it as a long-standing public demand.

"The Chief Minister's directive to close liquor shops near bus stands, schools, and temples is a response to the long-standing demand of the people. Tamil Nadu welcomes this action that prioritises the safety of women, students, and the general public. Change has begun," Congress MP Manickam Tagore wrote on X.

Vijay, the 51-year-old actor-politician, took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) scripted a stunning electoral rise to emerge as the single largest party in the state. With the support of Congress, Left parties, VCK and the Muslim League, TVK formed the first coalition government in Tamil Nadu’s history.

In other key decisions after assuming office, Vijay approved the rollout of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers. He also cleared the formation of a special force dedicated to women’s safety and sanctioned the setting up of anti-drug units in every district, fulfilling his promise to tackle the alleged drug menace in the state.

However, the most significant announcement made by Vijay after the oath-taking ceremony was aimed at his political rival, the DMK. He said a white paper detailing the state’s financial position during the 2021-2026 period would be released.

“I have to tell you about the current status of the Tamil Nadu government. The state has been burdened with debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore and the treasury has been completely emptied, leaving an unbearable burden,” he said in his maiden address.

The Chief Minister also promised stronger measures for women’s safety and assured strict maintenance of law and order in the state.

In the Assembly, TVK currently has 107 seats following Vijay’s resignation from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency, along with the support of 13 MLAs from Congress, VCK, IUML and the Left parties. Vijay is expected to face a floor test soon to prove his majority in the House.

- Ends