CM Vijay’s First Major Action: 717 Liquor Shops Located Near Religious Sites and Schools to be Closed

Chennai: Since assuming the office of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thalapathy Vijay has been taking one major decision after another. CM Vijay has now issued an order to close down 717 government-run liquor shops currently operating near religious sites, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state.

In his order, Chief Minister Vijay stated that all liquor shops falling within a 500-meter radius of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges, and bus stands in the state will be shut down. The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation has been directed to remove these shops within the next two weeks.

On Sunday, immediately after taking the oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay had made three major announcements. Within just a few hours of the swearing-in ceremony, the decisions taken by the Vijay administration appear to be significant steps toward ‘social reform.’

Where and How Many Liquor Shops Will Close?
According to data from the Tamil Nadu government, there are currently a total of 4,765 ‘TASMAC’ liquor shops operating in the state. Under the new policy, the 717 shops identified for closure include 276 shops located near religious sites, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands.

Prior to this, CM Vijay had announced the launch of a special campaign to curb the trafficking and sale of narcotics. He had also pledged to increase police patrols in public spaces to ensure the safety of women. Furthermore, providing significant financial relief to the general public, Vijay announced that electricity consumption of up to 200 units would be provided free of cost to domestic consumers.

TVK Forms Government in Alliance with These Parties
It is worth noting that the party led by actor-turned-politician Vijay—the TVK—secured victory in 107 seats in Tamil Nadu. To form the government, the party required 118 legislators. Consequently, the TVK formed an alliance with the Congress, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), and IUML to establish the government.