C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 retail liquor outlets across Tamil Nadu, marking one of the first major policy decisions of the newly formed TVK government.
According to an official release, the decision was taken in view of public welfare and long-standing demands for stricter regulation of liquor sales across the state. The outlets identified for closure include 276 shops located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 situated close to bus stands. The government said all 717 outlets will be shut within the next two weeks.
The move comes amid sustained pressure from women’s groups, social organisations and several political parties that have repeatedly called for reducing the number of liquor outlets operating in Tamil Nadu.
Liquor sales in the state are managed by the state-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac), which currently operates 4,765 retail liquor outlets across Tamil Nadu.
The announcement has quickly become a major talking point across political and public platforms, including discussions carried by Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 radio station, as reactions continue to emerge from across the state.
The decision also signals an early governance direction for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government following its strong performance in the recent Assembly elections. TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats in the Assembly.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) secured 59 seats, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) won 47. The Indian National Congress won five seats and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) secured four.
Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and Indian Union Muslim League won two seats each, while the Bharatiya Janata Party, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam secured one seat each
