Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday (May 12) ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor retail outlets located within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations across the State, within two weeks, in the interest of public welfare.
"With the welfare of the general public in mind, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has issued orders to close--within two weeks--717 retail liquor shops situated within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands," the government order read.
4,765 Tasmac liquor retail shops in Tamil Nadu
According to the Tamil Nadu government, the state currently has a total of 4,765 retail liquor shops operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). Of the 717 identified for closure, 276 are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands.
CM Vijay has issued directives to conduct a survey and identify those shops located within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands.
"In accordance with the aforementioned order, it was identified that 717 retail liquor shops are currently operating within these three specified categories. Taking public welfare into consideration, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay, has ordered the closure--within the next two weeks--of a total of 717 retail liquor shops, comprising 276 shops located near places of worship, 186 shops near educational institutions, and 255 shops near bus stands," the release added.
TASMAC liquor shops make up for high revenue
Although TASMAC liquor shops make up for high revenue for the Tamil Nadu government, there have been calls across party lines to close several of these retail outlets.
The TASMAC has also come under the probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Last year, the probe agency had conducted raids at multiple premises across Tamil Nadu in connection with alleged offences related to Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) and associated entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in its manifesto has also promised a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
CM Vijay orders strict measures for women's safety
Earlier on Monday, Vijay had issued a decisive directive to establish the "Singa Pen Sirappu Anti-Drug Force" dedicated to ensuring the safety of women across the state. He said that the new unit will guarantee swift action on complaints related to women’s safety. Following his order, the state police department has formally created the force.
Fulfilling a key promise from the Chief Minister's election manifesto, the newly formed unit has been assigned several crucial responsibilities. These include protecting women and youth from falling into the drug network and taking strict action against the drug mafia.
The force will also work in an integrated and statewide manner to prevent sexual crimes against women.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay orders strict measures for women's safety, forms 'Singa Pen Sirappu Force'
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