Tamil Nadu Government Closes 717 TASMAC Liquor Shops Near Temples, Schools and Bus Stands
In a major step towards public welfare, the Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops located near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state.
According to an official press release issued on May 12, 2026, the latest phase of closures was carried out under the instructions of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. As part of the sixth phase of action, 500 additional liquor retail outlets were shut down.
Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently operates around 4,765 liquor retail shops across the state. The government stated that the decision was taken considering public welfare and repeated demands from residents.
Out of the total 717 TASMAC shops closed so far:
- 276 shops were located near temples and places of worship
- 186 shops were situated close to educational institutions
- 255 shops were operating near bus stands
The Tamil Nadu government said the closures were implemented to reduce inconvenience to the public and create safer surroundings near sensitive public locations.
