Chennai: In a significant move aimed at safeguarding public health and social welfare, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday, May 12, directed the closure of 717 retail liquor outlets across the state.
The decision primarily targets outlets located in sensitive zones. As per the official release, 276 liquor shops situated near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands will be shut down within the next two weeks.
The Chief Minister’s order comes amid growing public demand, particularly from women and several political parties, for a complete ban on liquor shops in the state. Many citizens have repeatedly highlighted the social ills associated with easy access to alcohol, including its impact on families and youth.
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently operates 4,765 retail liquor outlets statewide. The closure of these 717 shops marks a partial but firm response to the mounting pressure for stricter regulation of alcohol sales.
The government believes this step will help create a safer environment around educational and religious institutions and reduce alcohol-related disturbances near public transport hubs. Further measures on liquor policy may be considered based on the outcome of this initiative.
The decision primarily targets outlets located in sensitive zones. As per the official release, 276 liquor shops situated near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands will be shut down within the next two weeks.
The Chief Minister’s order comes amid growing public demand, particularly from women and several political parties, for a complete ban on liquor shops in the state. Many citizens have repeatedly highlighted the social ills associated with easy access to alcohol, including its impact on families and youth.
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently operates 4,765 retail liquor outlets statewide. The closure of these 717 shops marks a partial but firm response to the mounting pressure for stricter regulation of alcohol sales.
The government believes this step will help create a safer environment around educational and religious institutions and reduce alcohol-related disturbances near public transport hubs. Further measures on liquor policy may be considered based on the outcome of this initiative.