Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay orders the closure of 717 TASMAC-run liquor retail outlets across the state within two weeks. The directive applies to shops located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands. Reports say the move follows a statewide inspection and is intended to address public concerns, including welfare and safety considerations. One outlet count cited in reporting indicates Tamil Nadu has 4,765 TASMAC retail outlets in total, meaning the closures affect a portion of the network. Officials specify that 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 outlets near educational institutions and 255 outlets near bus stands will be shut within the timeframe. Coverage also notes that there has been demand from sections of the public, including women and some political groups, to tighten or expand prohibition-related measures. Separate reporting frames the decision as part of the ongoing debate around liquor regulation and state-controlled alcohol sales in Tamil Nadu.