India’s Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops located near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations, according to a government statement cited by Indian media.
According to a Tamil Nadu government statement cited by Indian media, the liquor outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, or TASMAC, are located within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations.
The New Indian Express reported that the affected outlets include 276 shops near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus depots. The outlet also reported that authorities were instructed to ensure no alternative liquor shops are opened within the restricted zones.
The order is to be implemented within two weeks.
The decision follows a survey ordered by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thalapathy Vijaya to identify TASMAC outlets operating near places of worship, schools, colleges and bus stands, according to Indian media reports. The government said the closures were ordered in the interest of public welfare.
India’s Tamil Nadu is considered one of country’s major alcohol markets.
Alcohol policy varies widely across India, where state governments control the sale and regulation of liquor. Alcohol restriction policy is in force in Gujarat, Bihar, Nagaland and Mizoram, though exemptions and enforcement practices vary by state. Alcohol sales are also restricted in some other parts of India.
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