Srinagar, May 12 -- Srinagar - In a major crackdown on liquor access across Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 TASMAC outlets located near places of worship, schools and bus stands, signalling one of the state's biggest moves yet in response to growing public anger over alcohol sales.

Vijay was sworn in as the CM of Tamil Nadu after his party, TVK, won the April 23 Assembly polls and secured outside support to cross the majority mark of 118 seats.

Considering the welfare of the public, Vijay issued orders to shut down the retail liquor outlets located within a 500m radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations within two weeks, an official release said.

Accordingly, 276 o...