Tamil Nadu: CM Vijay Issues Cease Notice for 717 Liquor Shops in Shocking Ban

Tamil Nadu: In a shocking move, new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops in the state. Now, the rumour mill is abuzz about whether a broader liquor ban is about to happen.

Details of Vijay’s Cease Notice: What Really Happened 

During the early hours of 12th May, 2026, Chief Minister Vijay ordered The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) to shut down 717 liquor shapes. TASMAC currently operates 4,765 liquor shops in the state. 

Why These TASMAC Shops Are Being Shut 

It is worth noting that almost all the liquor shops that have been ordered to shut down are located near sensitive places. 276 shops are located near places of worship, 186 are within the radius of an educational institution and  255 are located near bus terminals. The main reason for the move is to address public concerns. 

Over the years, multiple politicians have tried to implement some sort of liquor ban in the state, including J. Jayalalitha from the AIADMK and the PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss.  

What the 500-Metre Rule Means 

The Tamil Nadu government put out an official press release to elaborate on the move. The government said that the 712 shops are located within 500 metres of sensitive places (places of worship, educational institutions and bus terminals). It also specified that all of the identified liquor shops must shut down within two weeks. 

Areas Likely to Be Most Affected  

Shops near places of worship, educational institutions and bus terminals will be adverse affected by this move. Urban areas in cities like Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai will be more affected as compared to their rural counterparts, as the concentration of TASMAC shops within short distances is more.  

Disclaimer: The information taken in this article is sourced from the public domain. The Sunday Guardian won’t be responsible for any discrepancies.