India, May 12 -- Tamil Nadu's newly-appointed chief minister C Joseph Vijay ordered on Tuesday closure of 717 government-run liquor stores located within a radius of 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations within two weeks.

Currently, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) operates 4,765 liquor retail stores.

According to a statement, Vijay had directed officials to inspect and identify shops which are located in a 500 metres radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands. Upon inspection, 717 stores were found being operated within this range across the state.

Vijay has ordered closure of these establishments within two weeks.

Out of the total 717 liquor stores se...