Vijay orders closure of 717 liquor outlets; DMK mocks, PMK welcomes move

Responding to public demand, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 retail liquor outlets across the state.

In a move that could strike a chord with women of the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 state-run retail liquor outlets, including those near places of worship.

While the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam mocked the move as a "PR" initiative, the Pattali Makkal Katchi,  a strong votary of prohibition, not only welcomed Vijay's announcement, but also batted for the gradual implementation of a dry regime in the state.

Further, in his first missive to the Centre after taking over as CM, Vijay raised the emotive issue of arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy and the repatriation of the fishers and the boats.

Also, with a focus on public welfare, Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) banned its cadre from erecting banners and placards in public spaces.

Closing down of liquor shops has been a demand from women in the state, besides the Pattali Makkal Katchi.

The move was done keeping in mind the welfare of people, an official release said.

Accordingly, 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 shops near educational institutions, and 255 outlets near bus stands will be closed within the next two weeks, it said.

Responding, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai claimed such outlets were not present outside places of religious worship and educational institutions.

"Will they open new shops and close them down. This is mere PR (public relations)," he said on social media platform 'X.'

PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss welcomed the move and demanded for the implementation of prohibition.

Liquor sales is one of government's key revenue generators in Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) operates 4,765 retail liquor outlets across the state.

In 2025, the revenue from liquor sales in Tamil Nadu was Rs 48,344 crore. TASMAC sells 551 brands of liquor imported from foreign countries, including 223 brands of wine being sold through licensed retail outlets.

Further, Vijay wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the fishermen issue.

Drawing the attention of Jaishankar to the arrest of six fishermen belonging to Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district by Sri Lankan navy on Tuesday, Vijay said the fishermen ventured into the sea for fishing on May 10 and were arrested and their fishing vessel confiscated allegedly for crossing IMBL.

"It is also brought to notice that 54 fishermen are already in Sri Lankan prison, and 264 boats have been impounded by the Sri Lankan authorities. In this regard, I request you to take up the matter with the Sri Lankan authorities through appropriate diplomatic channels to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their boats at the earliest," Vijay said in a letter addressed to Jaishankar.

The Union minister should utilise all available diplomatic channels to secure the early release and safe repatriation of all detained fishermen and their fishing boats, he said.

Meanwhile, Vijay's TVK banned the placement of party banners and placards in public spaces that cause inconvenience to the people or obstruct traffic.

It issued the strict directive to its cadres, warning of "stringent action" against anyone found causing public nuisance.

In a statement issued on X by the party's General Secretary and Minister N Anand, the TVK leadership warned of "stringent action" against any member found violating these instructions, noting that the order has the explicit approval of the party president, Vijay.