Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops across Tamil Nadu shortly after assuming office as the Chief Minister.
According to official instructions issued by the state government, liquor outlets operating within 500 metres of educational institutions, places of worship and bus stands must be shut down within two weeks.
The action follows a special inspection conducted after Vijay took charge as Chief Minister, which reportedly found several liquor shops functioning in violation of regulations and causing inconvenience to the public.
Government sources said 276 liquor outlets were operating near religious centres, while 186 shops were located close to schools and colleges. Another 255 shops were reportedly functioning near bus stands across the state.
Officials stated that the decision was taken in the interest of public welfare and as part of efforts to improve social conditions and public safety.
The move is also being viewed as one of the first major steps by the new government towards its stated vision of creating a drug free Tamil Nadu.
Apart from the liquor shop closures, Vijay has already announced several key welfare measures after taking office, including 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers and the formation of a special women’s safety force.
The government has instructed authorities to complete the closure process within the specified deadline and ensure strict compliance with the new directives.
The decision has triggered widespread political and public discussion across the state, with supporters describing it as a strong administrative move aimed at addressing public concerns related to alcohol availability near sensitive locations.
The closures mark one of the most significant early policy actions of Vijay’s administration following his rise to power in Tamil Nadu politics.
