CHENNAI: In one of his first and most consequential decisions as Chief Minister, Thalapathy Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops operating in violation of regulations across Tamil Nadu, directing that all such outlets be shut down within a fortnight. The order came on just the third day of his assuming office, signalling the new government's intent to prioritise public health and social welfare.

The directive covers shops run under the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which currently operates 4,765 liquor outlets across the state. Of these, 717 have been identified by officials as functioning in contravention of established norms and are to be shuttered within 14 days.

Proximity to Sensitive Locations Cited

The closures are primarily targeted at outlets situated within 500 metres of schools, colleges, places of worship including temples, churches and mosques, as well as areas with heavy pedestrian and commuter traffic. The Chief Minister underscored that the decision was taken out of respect for public health, the future of students and the sentiments of pilgrims and devotees.

A Statement of Intent

Political observers noted that the swiftness of the decision — coming within 72 hours of the oath-taking ceremony — was a deliberate signal from the Vijay-led administration of its priorities. The move is expected to resonate strongly among voters in semi-urban and rural constituencies where liquor shops in the vicinity of educational institutions and religious centres have long been a source of public grievance.

Further policy measures on the liquor trade are widely anticipated as the new government consolidates its footing in the weeks ahead.