Vijay government orders closure of 717 liquor shops in Tamil Nadu
C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops located near temples, schools and bus stands across Tamil Nadu, marking one of the first major decisions of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.
According to the state government, the affected outlets operated by Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) are situated within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands. The shops have been directed to shut down within two weeks.
The government said 276 TASMAC shops are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.
The move is being seen as the first step towards Vijay’s promise of creating an “addiction-free” Tamil Nadu. The decision also reflects a broader political consensus in the state on regulating liquor sales despite TASMAC contributing significantly to Tamil Nadu’s revenue.
In 2025, liquor sales through TASMAC reportedly generated revenue of over Rs 48,000 crore for the state government.
The TVK-led government came to power after securing support from the Congress, Left parties and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi following the Assembly elections.
The closure order comes amid ongoing scrutiny of TASMAC by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the federal agency carried out raids at multiple locations linked to alleged money laundering and irregularities involving TASMAC operations.
The ED had claimed to uncover “multiple irregularities” and alleged that unaccounted cash transactions worth nearly Rs 1,000 crore were linked to liquor operations. It also alleged fraudulent pricing practices and irregularities in licence tenders and distillery contracts.
The previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government strongly opposed the ED action and accused the agency of political vendetta.
The matter had also reached the Supreme Court, where concerns were raised over federal agencies allegedly encroaching upon the state government's jurisdiction.
The latest order by the Vijay government is expected to trigger fresh political debate over liquor policy, revenue generation and public welfare in Tamil Nadu.
