The Tamil Nadu government is considering a proposal to ban the sale of alcohol to individuals below the age of 21, a move that could significantly change the state’s liquor policy. The discussions reportedly began after Chief Minister Joseph Vijay pledged stronger action against drug and substance abuse in the state.
According to reports, the state-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) may soon require customers to show valid age proof, such as an Aadhaar card or driving licence, before purchasing liquor from retail outlets.
If implemented, Tamil Nadu would join several Indian states and union territories that already enforce higher legal drinking age limits. In Maharashtra, the legal age for consuming hard liquor like whiskey, rum and vodka is 25, while beer and wine are allowed from 21. Kerala permits alcohol consumption from the age of 23, while Punjab, Chandigarh and Meghalaya have set the minimum drinking age at 25.
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Tamil Nadu Orders Closure of 717 Tasmac Shops
The proposed age restriction comes amid broader reforms in the state’s liquor retail system. Earlier this week, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay directed authorities to shut down 717 Tasmac liquor outlets operating near religious places, educational institutions and bus stands.
Under the government order, all liquor shops located within a 500-metre radius of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges and bus stands must be closed within two weeks. Tamil Nadu currently operates around 4,765 Tasmac liquor outlets across the state.
Among the identified outlets slated for closure:
• 276 shops are located near religious places
• 186 are near schools and colleges
• 255 are close to bus stands
In an official statement, the government said the decision was taken in the interest of public welfare and social responsibility. Authorities are also expected to monitor crowding at nearby liquor shops after the closures take effect.
Vijay Begins First Term as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
Joseph Vijay recently took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, formed the government with support from the Congress, VCK, Left parties and the Muslim League, creating Tamil Nadu’s first coalition government.
The proposed drinking age policy and closure of liquor shops are being viewed as part of the new administration’s broader push towards tighter regulation of alcohol sales and stronger anti-drug measures in the state.
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