K. Annamalai, founder of the ‘We the Leaders’ organization, has urged the closure of 129 liquor shops operating near educational institutions, places of worship, and bus stations.

In a letter addressed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, he cited a government announcement dated May 12, under which 717 Tasmac shops operating within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations were identified and ordered to be closed. He stated that a study conducted by his organization with public participation identified an additional 129 such liquor shops still in operation.

“We conducted a dipstick study to ascertain whether there were indeed only 717 Tasmac shops within the specified radius. We found 10 shops operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations. Therefore, we decided to expand our study across Tamil Nadu and opened a form for public participation. After verifying the received information, we have attached a list of 129 Tasmac retail outlets that continue to operate within a 500-meter radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations,” he noted, appealing to the Chief Minister to take action to shut down these Tasmac shops.