Tamil Nadu Shuts 717 Liquor Shops; Here Are 5 Indian States Where Alcohol Is Banned

Tamil Nadu has announced a major crackdown on alcohol access, with the state government ordering the closure of 717 state-run liquor shops operating near sensitive public locations. The move is part of a broader effort to tighten alcohol regulations and reduce easy access to liquor.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has directed the closure of liquor retail outlets located within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations. The shutdown process has been ordered to be completed within two weeks.

These outlets are operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which runs around 4,765 liquor stores across the state. Out of the 717 outlets marked for closure, 276 are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands. This means nearly 15% of Tamil Nadu’s total alcohol retail outlets will be shut.

Along with the closures, the government has also introduced stricter enforcement of the legal drinking age. TASMAC stores have been instructed to ensure that alcohol is sold only to people aged 21 years or above. Employees have been told to verify customer age by checking identity documents such as Aadhaar cards whenever there is any doubt.

This is not the first time Tamil Nadu has taken steps to restrict alcohol sales. The state has a long political history of liquor restrictions, temporary closures, and prohibition-related measures.

What is an Alcohol Ban and Why is it Important?

An alcohol ban, also known as prohibition, refers to legal restrictions or a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages in a specific region.

Such bans are generally introduced to reduce alcoholism, improve public health, lower crime rates, protect families from alcohol-related harm, and maintain public order. Since alcohol consumption can negatively impact health and society, some Indian states have chosen to completely prohibit its use.

5 Indian States and Union Territories Where Alcohol is Banned

Bihar

Bihar imposed a complete alcohol ban in 2016 under the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act during the government led by then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The main objective was to reduce alcohol addiction and its social impact on families and communities.

Nagaland

Nagaland has enforced alcohol prohibition under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989. The law prohibits the sale, possession, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages across the state.

Mizoram

Mizoram’s alcohol policy has changed over time. The Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995 banned alcohol sale and consumption from 1997. In 2007, the law was amended to allow limited wine production from guavas and grapes under strict restrictions on alcohol content and possession limits. Currently, the state follows the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition and Control) Act and remains listed among India’s dry states.

Gujarat

Gujarat has maintained alcohol prohibition since 1960. The Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949 continues to apply in the state after Gujarat was formed following the bifurcation of the former Bombay state. Under this law, the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol remain illegal.

Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep follows strict alcohol restrictions. Alcohol is generally prohibited across most inhabited islands. The only exception is Bangaram Island, which has been designated as a tourism zone where alcohol may be available at select approved resorts or licensed vessels. Tourists are also not allowed to carry alcohol into restricted islands, even if it was legally purchased elsewhere.

Temporary Alcohol Bans in India

Even in states where alcohol is legally sold, temporary alcohol bans are commonly enforced under government rules. These restrictions usually apply on national holidays, election polling and counting days, major public events, festivals, and large gatherings, depending on local administration orders.

Tamil Nadu’s latest decision reflects a stricter approach toward alcohol control, especially around public and sensitive locations, while also highlighting the broader conversation around alcohol regulation across India.