The Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government has stepped up liquor regulations across the state by reinforcing the legal drinking age of 21 and directing stricter checks at TASMAC outlets.
The move comes days after the government ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops located near temples, educational institutions and bus stations, marking one of the first major policy decisions taken after Vijay assumed office as chief minister.
According to officials, staff at all Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) outlets have now been instructed to verify the age of customers before selling liquor. In cases where there is doubt regarding a buyer’s age, identity documents such as Aadhaar cards will have to be checked.
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Senior TASMAC officials also indicated that the government is considering reducing operating hours for liquor shops. At present, TASMAC outlets function between 12 pm and 10 pm, but a proposal to shut stores by 8 pm is reportedly under discussion.
Tamil Nadu continues to rely heavily on liquor sales as a revenue source. TASMAC recorded liquor sales worth ₹48,344 crore in 2025, making it the state’s second-highest revenue-generating department after registrations.
717 TASMAC outlets to shut across Tamil Nadu
The stricter enforcement of the age limit follows the government’s recent decision to shut 717 TASMAC outlets situated within 500 metres of sensitive public spaces.
An audit conducted on the chief minister’s directions identified 276 liquor outlets near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stations. Officials said these outlets will be closed within the next two weeks.
After the closures, the number of TASMAC retail outlets in Tamil Nadu will reduce from 4,765 to 4,048.
In an official statement, the government said the decision was taken keeping “public welfare” in mind. The crackdown is also being viewed as part of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s broader push to position itself against substance abuse and unrestricted alcohol access.
TVK had earlier promised in its election manifesto that it would work towards making Tamil Nadu a “drug-free” state.
One of Vijay’s first major administrative decisions
The liquor policy changes come shortly after Vijay took oath as Tamil Nadu chief minister on May 10 following the Assembly elections.
The actor-turned-politician formed the government after securing support from alliance partners and independent legislators in the 234-member Assembly. He later won the trust vote in the Assembly with the backing of 144 MLAs.
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Apart from TVK legislators, the government received support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, VCK and a rebel faction of the AIADMK led by SP Velumani.
Following the floor test victory, Vijay said his government would remain “secular” and function “with the speed of a horse”, while continuing welfare schemes introduced by previous administrations.
