India, May 12 -- Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay on Tuesday issued orders for the closure of 717 liquor shops located within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations, the government said on Tuesday.

The order should be executed within two weeks for the welfare of the public, it said.

"Currently, 4,765 liquor retail shops are being operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). Among these, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, S Joseph Vijay, ordered an audit to identify shops located within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations," an official release said on Tuesday.

In accordance with the said order, it was identified that 717 liquor retail shops ar...