India, May 12 -- C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops located near temples, schools and bus stands across Tamil Nadu, marking one of the first major decisions of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.

According to the state government, the affected outlets operated by Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) are situated within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions and bus stands. The shops have been directed to shut down within two weeks.

The government said 276 TASMAC shops are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.

The move is being seen as the first step towards Vijay's promise of creating an "...