Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor shops across the state
The decision includes shutting outlets located near temples, schools, colleges, and bus stands within the next two weeks.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday directed the closure of 717 retail liquor outlets operating across the state as part of a major public welfare initiative.
According to an official statement, the decision was taken keeping public welfare in mind and aims to address growing concerns over the location of liquor shops in sensitive areas. The outlets identified for closure include 276 shops situated near places of worship, 186 outlets located close to educational institutions, and 255 liquor shops operating near bus stands.
The state government has instructed authorities to complete the closure process within the next two weeks.
The move comes amid increasing public pressure, particularly from women’s groups and several political parties, demanding stricter control over liquor sales and the gradual shutdown of alcohol outlets in Tamil Nadu.
Currently, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac), the state-run body responsible for liquor sales, operates around 4,765 retail liquor outlets across Tamil Nadu.
The latest decision is being viewed as one of the biggest actions taken by the state government in response to long-standing demands for reducing the presence of liquor shops in public and residential areas.
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