In a landmark decision, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 retail liquor outlets in the state, with the aim of prioritizing public welfare. The outlets to be shut down include 276 near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands, all to be closed within two weeks. This move has garnered praise from actor-politician Kamal Haasan, who has long advocated for reduced alcohol consumption and government regulation of liquor sales. He remarked that liquor sales should not be the government's responsibility and commended Vijay for taking immediate action after assuming office. The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) currently operates 4,765 liquor outlets statewide. Haasan has consistently voiced concerns over the prevalence of liquor shops, suggesting that it is easier to find a TASMAC outlet than a post office. His advocacy includes the establishment of counseling centers near liquor shops to address alcohol-related issues. The closure of these outlets is viewed as a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about alcohol regulation in Tamil Nadu.