Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister Joseph Vijay made a strong move to tackle the state’s liquor problem. He ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC-operated liquor stores. These stores are located within 500 meters of temples, schools, and bus stands across the state. The government has given these stores two weeks to shut down.
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A Bold First Step for the New CM
This order comes as Vijay’s first major directive after his victory in the state’s recent assembly elections. The decision reflects his commitment to the promise of a “sober” Tamil Nadu. Despite facing challenges due to a minority in the assembly, Vijay secured the majority with the help of Congress, left-wing parties, and a smaller Tamil party.
Political Context of the Decision
Vijay’s party, Tamilga Vetrik Kshagam (TVK), won 108 seats in the 234-seat assembly. After his resignation from one seat, they held 107 seats, falling 10 short of a majority. This created a week-long political struggle before his government was finally formed.
Government’s Stance on Revenue and Welfare
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) operates 4,765 liquor shops in the state. Of these, 276 are located near temples, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands. Despite the significant revenue generated by TASMAC, the government’s priority is the welfare of the people. For instance, the total revenue from TASMAC exceeded ₹48,000 crores in 2025.
The Move Towards a ‘Sober’ Tamil Nadu
This move by Vijay is seen as the first step in his effort to create a “drug-free” Tamil Nadu. While the decision has been welcomed by many, it has also raised concerns due to the revenue implications.
ED’s Involvement and TASMAC’s Financial Scrutiny
Before the April elections, TASMAC’s operations were under scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Last year, raids were conducted across the state on TASMAC and related entities over alleged money laundering cases. These actions sparked protests, especially from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which was in power at the time. The matter was eventually brought before the Supreme Court, which raised objections about the ED’s overreach.
