Tamil Nadu liquor shops to close early? Check TASMAC proposal on timing change and ‘new’ legal drinking age
Apart from stricter enforcement of the age rule, the government also ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor outlets operating near religious places, educational institutions and bus stops.
The move comes amid concerns about rising alcohol consumption among minors and growing public criticism about the location of many liquor stores.
TASMAC, the government agency that controls liquor sales in Tamil Nadu, currently has 4,765 outlets. After the latest closures, that number will drop to 4,048.
Why is Tamil Nadu closing TASMAC stores?
According to officials, the state government wants to reduce access to liquor near sensitive public spaces, PTI reported.
Of the 717 stores planned to close:
- 276 of them are located near places of worship
- 186 of them are close to schools and colleges
- 255 of them are near bus stops
The decision follows a statewide review of TASMAC outlets and locations. The closures are expected to occur in phases.
What is the legal drinking age in Tamil Nadu?
The Tamil Nadu government has once again announced that the legal age limit for purchasing and consuming alcohol in the state is 21.
TASMAC employees are now instructed to check proof of identity if there is any doubt about the customer’s age, officials said.
This may include:
- Aadhaar card
- Driving licence
- Other valid government-issued ID cards
The government says the aim is to prevent underage drinking and improve controls at liquor outlets.
Will the timings of TASMAC stores change in Tamil Nadu?
The government is also considering reducing the operating hours of liquor shops.
Currently TASMAC outlets operate as follows:
However, officials speaking to PTI said that a proposal to change the closing time to 8 pm was being discussed.
A final decision has not been announced yet.
How much revenue does TASMAC generate for Tamil Nadu?
Despite repeated controversies over alcohol sales, TASMAC remains one of Tamil Nadu’s largest sources of revenue.
Liquor sales in 2025 are reported to provide:
- 48.344 billion Rupees revenue
This made TASMAC the second highest revenue-generating department in the state, after the records department.
The latest measures suggest the government is trying to balance revenue interests with growing concerns about public health, underage drinking and the social impact of alcohol accessibility.
(with PTI inputs)
