Liquor Outlets Near Schools, Temples and Bus Stands To Be Closed Within Two Weeks, Says Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay

New Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday, May 12, ordered authorities to close all liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, schools and bus stands across the state within the next 15 days. 

In the interest of public welfare, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru. S. Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure within two weeks of 717 liquor retail sales outlets located up to 500 meters from places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands: TN DIPR pic.twitter.com/5OZjGeagfw

— IANS (@ians_india) May 12, 2026

According to the order issued to state government authorities to take action to shut down 717 TASMAC liquor retail shops. Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently runs 4,765 retail liquor shops across Tamil Nadu.

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After the order from Tamil Nadu CMO, officials carried out a statewide inspection to identify outlets operating close to temples, educational institutions and bus stations. 

After official survey, it was found that 276 alcohol shops were doing business near temples, 186 near educational institutions and 255 close to bus stands, which takes the total number of outlets marked for closure to 717, according to The Times of India.