In his first major administrative decision after taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Joseph Vijay on Tuesday (May 12, 2026) ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor retail outlets operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state.
The order directs authorities to shut down all such Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) outlets functioning within a 500-metre radius of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges and bus stands within the next two weeks.
The move marks Vijay’s first major policy intervention within hours of assuming office and is being projected by the new government as a key social reform measure aimed at addressing concerns over the accessibility of liquor in sensitive public areas.
The Numbers: 717 Outlets Identified
According to the Tamil Nadu government, the state currently has a total of 4,765 Tasmac liquor retail shops.
Of the 717 identified for closure :
- 276 are located near places of worship
- 186 near educational institutions
- 255 near bus stands
These outlets will be closed within two weeks, as per the Chief Minister’s directive.
Vijay’s Oath and Political Context
Vijay, the 51-year-old actor-politician, took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday (May 10, 2026) after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) scripted a stunning electoral rise to emerge as the single largest party in the state.
With the support of Congress, Left parties (CPI and CPI-M), VCK and the Muslim League (IUML) , TVK formed the first coalition government in Tamil Nadu’s history.
In the Assembly, TVK currently has 107 seats following Vijay’s resignation from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency, along with the support of 13 MLAs from Congress, VCK, IUML and the Left parties.
Vijay is expected to face a floor test soon to prove his majority in the House.
Other Key Decisions After Assuming Office
Beyond the liquor shop closures, Vijay approved several other significant measures:
First, he approved the rollout of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers — a major populist move aimed at providing relief to households across the state.
Second, he cleared the formation of a special force dedicated to women’s safety , fulfilling a key campaign promise.
Third, he sanctioned the setting up of anti-drug units in every district , tackling the alleged drug menace that he had highlighted during his election campaign.
The White Paper Announcement
However, the most significant announcement made by Vijay after the oath-taking ceremony was aimed at his political rival, the DMK.
He said a white paper detailing the state’s financial position during the 2021-2026 period would be released.
In his maiden address, Vijay stated: “I have to tell you about the current status of the Tamil Nadu government. The state has been burdened with debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore and the treasury has been completely emptied, leaving an unbearable burden.”
This is a direct attack on the previous DMK administration, which ruled Tamil Nadu from 2021 to 2026. By releasing a white paper, Vijay is signaling transparency and accountability — while also shifting blame for the state’s financial challenges to his political opponents.
Liquor Policy in Tamil Nadu: A Brief Background
Tamil Nadu has a state-run liquor distribution system through Tasmac (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation). The government controls all retail liquor sales, and Tasmac shops are a significant source of revenue for the state.
However, liquor shops located near religious places, schools, and colleges have long been a source of controversy. Residents, parents, and religious leaders have frequently complained about the negative influence of these outlets on students and worshippers.
Previous governments have periodically relocated such shops, but Vijay’s order to close 717 outlets within two weeks is among the most aggressive actions taken on this issue.
Why This Matters: Social Reform vs. Revenue Loss
The closure of 717 liquor shops is a balancing act for the new government.
On one hand, it fulfills a social reform agenda — reducing accessibility to alcohol near sensitive public spaces. This will likely be welcomed by religious groups, parents, and educators.
On the other hand, Tasmac shops are a major revenue source for the state government. Closing 717 outlets (approximately 15 per cent of all Tasmac shops) will have a financial impact. The government will need to find alternative revenue sources or cut spending elsewhere to compensate.
However, the order only applies to shops within 500 metres of religious places, schools, and bus stands. Tasmac shops in other locations will continue to operate.
The Free Electricity Promise
The approval of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers is another significant populist measure. Similar schemes exist in other states (such as Punjab and Delhi), where governments provide subsidized or free electricity up to a certain consumption limit.
This move will provide immediate relief to households, particularly lower-income families who struggle with rising electricity costs. However, it will also add to the state’s financial burden — at a time when Vijay himself has warned of “debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore.”
Women’s Safety and Anti-Drug Units
The formation of a special force dedicated to women’s safety and anti-drug units in every district address two key campaign promises.
Women’s safety has been a major political issue in Tamil Nadu, following high-profile cases of violence against women in recent years. A dedicated special force signals that the new government takes this issue seriously.
Anti-drug units in every district target the “drug menace” that Vijay frequently referenced during his campaign. While the scale and nature of the problem can be debated, the creation of specialized enforcement units is a tangible policy response.
The Floor Test Ahead
Vijay’s government currently enjoys the support of 107 TVK MLAs plus 13 MLAs from coalition partners (Congress, VCK, IUML, CPI, CPI-M) — a total of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly. The majority mark is 118.
However, with Vijay resigning from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency (he had won from two seats, Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East, and needed to vacate one), the numbers may shift slightly.
A floor test — a vote of confidence in the Assembly — is expected soon. This will formally prove that the TVK-led coalition has the majority required to govern.
