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Chennai: In a significant policy decision with far-reaching political consequences, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced on Tuesday the impending closure of 717 TASMAC liquor retail outlets situated near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus terminals throughout Tamil Nadu, set to occur within the next two weeks.

This action represents the first substantial regulatory measure taken by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government since it took office.

The initiative is perceived as a fulfillment of a key campaign promise aimed at enhancing public welfare and regulating alcohol sales.

During the election campaign, Vijay and the TVK leadership criticized previous administrations for promoting liquor sales while neglecting the adverse social and economic impacts on families and youth.

As per an official announcement, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently manages 4,765 liquor retail outlets across the state.

Following the Chief Minister's directives, officials conducted a comprehensive inspection to pinpoint liquor shops operating within a 500-meter radius of sensitive public areas.

The assessment revealed that 717 TASMAC outlets were in violation of the distance regulations, with 276 located near temples, mosques, and churches, 186 close to schools and colleges, and 255 near bus stands and transport hubs frequented by the public.

The government emphasized that the Chief Minister's order for immediate action was driven by broader public interest and welfare considerations.

"In light of public welfare, the Chief Minister has mandated the closure of all identified liquor retail outlets within two weeks," stated the official release.

Officials have been tasked with initiating the closure process promptly and providing compliance reports within the designated timeframe.

This decision is anticipated to spark political discussions in the upcoming days, especially since TASMAC sales are a significant revenue source for the Tamil Nadu government.

Conversely, the decision is likely to receive support from religious organizations, parents' groups, and anti-liquor advocates who have long sought the relocation or closure of liquor outlets near public institutions and residential neighborhoods.