Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC retail liquor outlets across the state in a major policy move aimed at public welfare and curbing substance abuse. The decision is being seen as the first major step toward fulfilling his promise of building a “drug-free Tamil Nadu.” According to a Tamil Nadu government press release, the closures will be carried out within two weeks and will affect liquor shops located within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. Of the total, 276 TASMAC outlets located near religious places are among those set to be shut down.