The Tamil Nadu government has ordered stricter age checks at TASMAC outlets, planned early closing hours
May 14, 2026: Vijay has moved quickly to tighten liquor regulations in Tamil Nadu just days after taking office. The state government has directed all Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation outlets to strictly enforce the legal drinking age of 21 and deny alcohol sales to underage customers. Officials said staff will verify identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, whenever there is doubt about a customer’s age.
The move follows another major decision by the Vijay-led government to shut down 717 TASMAC liquor shops located within 500 metres of temples, educational institutions and bus stations. According to the government, 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 near schools and colleges, and 255 near bus stations will be closed within two weeks. After the closures, the total number of TASMAC outlets in the state will fall from 4,765 to 4,048. Officials said the action was taken in the interest of “public welfare” and aligns with TVK’s promise to make the state drug-free.
The government is also considering reducing TASMAC operating hours from the current 12 noon–10 pm schedule to an earlier 8 pm closing time. Despite the restrictions, liquor sales remain a major revenue source for the state, with TASMAC recording sales worth ₹48,344 crore in 2025. Vijay, who took oath as chief minister on May 10, recently won a crucial floor test in the Assembly with support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, VCK, AMMK and a rebel AIADMK faction led by SP Velumani. He later said his government would function “with the speed of a horse” while continuing welfare schemes introduced by previous administrations.