Tamil Nadu Closes 717 Liquor Stores Near Schools and Temples

Tamil Nadu is taking bold action to make public spaces safer by closing 717 state-run liquor stores across the region. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ordered all outlets within 500 meters of schools, religious sites, and bus terminals to shut down within two weeks.

The closures started this week in Vellore and surrounding districts, where officials identified more than 25 stores for permanent shutdown. Tiruvannamalai district leads with 25 closures, while Vellore and Ranipet will each close two outlets initially.

The first stores to close sit near the old bus terminal in Vellore, right across from the historic fort complex. Survey teams are now fanning out across all four districts to map every outlet that violates the new 500-meter rule.

For commuter R. Pavithra, the change couldn't come soon enough. "Women and senior citizens are scared to board buses near such outlets," she explained, echoing concerns heard throughout the region.

The government's previous rules allowed liquor stores just 100 meters from sensitive locations in villages and only 50 meters in cities. That meant many stores operated in plain view of schoolchildren and worshippers, creating daily discomfort for families using these public spaces.

The Ripple Effect

This policy shift impacts 385 total liquor outlets across industrial towns like Ranipet and Vaniyambadi and farming communities like Cheyyar and Arani. Staff from closing stores will transfer to remaining locations, and existing inventory will move to regional warehouses for redistribution.

The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation is working with district collectors who will make final closure decisions. Each district manager must complete surveys and submit reports before permanent shutdowns begin.

Beyond immediate closures, the stricter regulations signal a new approach to balancing commercial interests with community wellbeing. The 500-meter buffer zone gives families breathing room around the places that matter most in their daily lives.

When public safety concerns meet government action this swift and comprehensive, entire communities benefit from spaces that feel welcoming again.