Chennai, May 12:
In a significant early move after assuming office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 State-run liquor shops (TASMAC outlets) located within 500 metres of educational institutions, places of worship and bus termini across the State. The directive mandates that these shops be shut down within two weeks.
According to an official release, of the 717 outlets identified for closure, 276 are situated near places of worship, 186 are located close to educational institutions and 255 operate near bus stands. Tamil Nadu currently has 4,765 TASMAC retail liquor outlets, making this one of the largest targeted closures in recent years aimed at regulating liquor access in sensitive public zones.
The decision comes within days of Vijay being sworn in as Chief Minister on May 10, along with a nine-member Cabinet. It is being seen as one of the first major administrative actions of the new government.
On his first day in office, Vijay signed three key policy files, including the provision of 200 units of free electricity for households consuming up to 500 units bi-monthly, along with initiatives focused on women’s safety and strengthening anti-narcotics enforcement. These decisions were formalised shortly after the swearing-in ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the presence of supporters.
On May 11, Vijay took oath as a legislator in the Tamil Nadu Assembly along with his Cabinet colleagues and other elected representatives. The session was attended by key political leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and former Chief Ministers Edappadi K. Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam. In total, 218 MLAs were sworn in as members of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in the presence of Pro-tem Speaker M. V. Karuppaiah.
The closure of TASMAC outlets near sensitive areas is being viewed as a socially driven policy decision aligned with concerns over public health and safety. It also signals a proactive and reform-oriented start to Vijay’s tenure as Chief Minister.