Annamalai-Led Foundation Identifies 129 TASMAC Outlets Near Schools, Urges Tamil Nadu Government to Close Them

We The Leaders Foundation, led by former IPS officer K. Annamalai, has alleged that 129 TASMAC liquor outlets in Tamil Nadu are operating in violation of location norms by functioning within 500 metres of educational institutions, places of worship and bus stations.

The foundation has urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to take immediate action and order the closure of these outlets, arguing that they pose a risk to children and the public.

Sharing the findings of a ground-level survey on social media, Annamalai said the assessment revealed that the identified liquor outlets continue to operate despite the state government's earlier decision to shut hundreds of TASMAC retail shops as part of a broader policy review.

According to Annamalai, the survey was conducted after the Tamil Nadu government issued an order on May 12 announcing the closure of 717 TASMAC retail outlets. The government's decision was intended to rationalise the location of liquor shops and address concerns about outlets situated near sensitive public places.

However, the foundation claims that its field assessment found 129 TASMAC shops still functioning within a 500-metre radius of schools, colleges, religious institutions and bus stations, locations that are generally considered inappropriate for liquor retail outlets.

Calling for swift government intervention, Annamalai urged the Chief Minister to ensure that these identified outlets are closed without delay.

"The identified TASMAC shops should be shut to safeguard the spaces where our children learn, pray and commute," he said while sharing the survey findings.

The issue has once again brought attention to the implementation of Tamil Nadu's liquor outlet policy and the enforcement of location-related norms governing alcohol retail outlets.

The state government's earlier announcement to close 717 TASMAC stores was viewed as an effort to address public concerns over liquor shops operating close to educational institutions, religious places and transport hubs. The move was also aimed at rationalising the distribution of outlets across the state while improving public safety.

The latest findings by We The Leaders Foundation, however, suggest that enforcement gaps may still exist, with several outlets allegedly continuing operations in locations considered sensitive.

The foundation has called on the government to verify the findings through official inspections and take corrective action wherever violations are confirmed.

The Tamil Nadu government has not yet publicly responded to the foundation's latest claims regarding the 129 identified TASMAC outlets. If verified, the issue could lead to renewed scrutiny of liquor outlet regulations and enforcement mechanisms, particularly in areas frequented by students, commuters and devotees.

The development is likely to fuel further debate over the placement of liquor outlets and the balance between state revenue, public convenience and community welfare in Tamil Nadu.