TVK-led Tamil Nadu govt's big decision: 717 liquor shops shut near schools, colleges, religious buildings

The newly-elected Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in Tamil Nadu, led by actor-turned-politician Chandrasekaran Joseph Vijay, has taken a major decision to shut down 717 liquor shops across the state. This marks one of the most significant steps on alcohol-related sales restrictions in the state in recent years. The decision is being viewed as a bid to address long-standing public concerns over the presence of liquor shops in residential and educational areas in Tamil Nadu.

According to an official notification, liquor outlets located near schools, colleges and places of worship will be prioritised for closure as part of the move.

Over the years, several parents, local residents and social groups have repeatedly objected to alcohol outlets operating close to institutions frequented by students and families.

According to officials, the closure of these shops is aimed at improving public safety, reducing social disturbances and ensuring a more regulated environment around sensitive locations.

Tamil Nadu houses one of the country’s largest state-run liquor retail networks.

Over the weekend, TVK founder CJ Vijay took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, becoming the first non-DMK and non-AIADMK leader assuming power for the first time in nearly six decades.

The 51-year-old actor has appeared in more than 65 films and is among the highest paid stars in the country.

TVK's landmark victory in 2026 state polls

According to ECI data, Vijay, popularly known as 'Thalapathy' (meaning leader), emerged victorious in the state by securing 108 seats, followed by DMK (59 seats) and ADMK (47 seats).

Having seured 108 seats, TVK almost made it to the halfway mark, only 10 seats short of a majority in the 234-member assembly. The country's main opposition, the Indian National Congress (INC) pledged support with its five seats won.

The party also got support from four other parties: Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

The poll mandate marks the INC's return to the state government after more than 55 years.

The new government was sworn in during a grand ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, where Vijay took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.