PTC Web Desk: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has initiated a major crackdown on liquor sales in the state, days after assuming office. The government has now directed all TASMAC outlets to strictly enforce the legal drinking age of 21 and verify customers’ ages before selling alcohol.

Officials said liquor shop employees have been instructed to check identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, whenever there is doubt about a buyer’s age. The move is part of the new administration’s broader push to tighten alcohol regulations and limit easy access to liquor.

The decision comes soon after the government announced the closure of 717 TASMAC outlets situated near temples, educational institutions and bus stands across Tamil Nadu. The action is being viewed as one of the first major policy measures introduced by the new government under Vijay.

Senior officials in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) also indicated that the government is considering reducing shop timings. At present, liquor outlets operate between 12 noon and 10 pm, but discussions are underway to bring the closing time forward to 8 pm.

Despite the restrictions, liquor sales continue to be a major source of revenue for the state. In 2025, TASMAC reportedly generated more than Rs 48,000 crore in sales, making it one of Tamil Nadu’s top revenue-earning departments.

717 liquor outlets to be closed

Following a statewide review ordered by the CM, authorities identified hundreds of liquor shops functioning within 500 metre of sensitive public locations.

According to government data, 276 shops near places of worship, 186 outlets close to educational institutions and 255 shops operating near bus stations will be shut within the next two weeks.

Tamil Nadu currently has 4,765 TASMAC retail outlets. Once the closures are completed, the number will come down to 4,048.

The state government said the decision was taken keeping “public welfare” as the priority. The crackdown is also being linked to the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s election promise to work towards a “drug-free Tamil Nadu”.

One of Vijay’s first major decisions as CM

The liquor policy changes have come within days of Vijay taking oath as CM on May 10 after the Assembly elections.

The actor-turned-politician formed the government after emerging as the leader of a coalition in the 234-member Assembly. Since TVK did not secure a full majority on its own, the party relied on support from alliance partners and independent groups to form the government.

Before the trust vote, Vijay also met former CM MK Stalin in Chennai, a meeting described as a courtesy visit amid intense political rivalry between TVK and the opposition DMK.

Vijay government wins trust vote

Vijay later proved his majority in the Assembly by securing support from 144 MLAs, comfortably crossing the required mark.

Apart from TVK legislators, the government received backing from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, VCK, AMMK and a rebel faction of the AIADMK led by SP Velumani.

After winning the floor test, Vijay said his government would continue welfare schemes launched by previous administrations and promised fast-paced governance. He also asserted that the new administration would remain secular in its approach.

Meanwhile, the DMK staged a walkout during the proceedings, accusing smaller parties of supporting the government only to prevent President’s Rule in the state.