Tamil Nadu CM Vijay orders 717 liquor shops shut near temples, schools

The government of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor outlets located near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay issued the directive shortly after assuming office, according to Indian media reports.

The liquor outlets are operated by the state-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, widely known as TASMAC, which controls the retail sale of alcohol in the state.

Officials said the closures would apply to shops located within a 500-metre radius of temples, churches, mosques, schools, colleges and bus stations.

Reports said the state government had ordered a survey after Vijay took office to identify TASMAC outlets operating near such locations.

According to the findings, 276 shops were located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.

The Tamil Nadu government said the closures would be carried out within two weeks “in the interest of public welfare”.

The move is seen as one of the first major policy decisions taken by Vijay since becoming chief minister. (Newswire)

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