Chennai, June 16:
In a major step aimed at social reform, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets located near bus stands, schools, and temples. While the move has been widely welcomed, it has also sparked a broader discussion on whether shutting shops alone can solve alcohol addiction issues.
Officials said the decision is intended to reduce public inconvenience and limit easy access to alcohol in sensitive areas. “This is aimed at protecting public spaces and discouraging early exposure to alcohol,” a government source said.
At the same time, experts stress that de-addiction support is equally important. “Addiction is a health condition. Without rehabilitation centres, counselling, and sustained awareness, closures alone will not solve the problem,” a mental health specialist noted.
Social activists also called for a balanced approach. “The government must focus on both regulation and rehabilitation. Otherwise, vulnerable individuals may not receive proper treatment,” an activist said.
Public health workers further pointed out that accessibility to treatment remains uneven across rural and urban areas. They stressed that strengthening district-level de-addiction centres and follow-up care is essential to ensure long-term recovery for affected individuals.
Meanwhile, some community members welcomed the move as a positive step toward improving public spaces and reducing exposure to alcohol near sensitive institutions. However, they also acknowledged that enforcement and awareness will play a key role in ensuring the policy achieves its intended impact.