Vijay's mega Tasmac overhaul: Order liquor online, pick up from outlets
In a significant move that could overhaul the liquor retail mechanism in Tamil Nadu, consumers can order liquor through the Tasmac website from Friday. The
In a significant move that could overhaul the liquor retail mechanism in Tamil Nadu, consumers can order liquor through the Tasmac website from Friday. The Vijay-led government has introduced online ordering and cashless payments for liquor purchases at Tasmac outlets, in a step aimed at addressing persistent complaints of customers being overcharged at state-run liquor shops. Under the new system, customers will be able to order liquor bottles and make payments online through the website before collecting their purchases from a designated Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) retail outlet. Read Full Story There have been several allegations of customers being charged more than the stipulated price at liquor outlets across the state, with complaints of employees routinely demanding additional amounts.
The move concurrents with a Madras High Court crackdown on Friday on the practice of overcharging, directing that customers be allowed to lodge police complaints if employees demand extra money from them. The court ordered that necessary action be taken against individuals found demanding additional money from customers. It also directed the deployment of police personnel at liquor outlets across the state. Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan also questioned why Tasmac outlets could not issue bills to customers when the practice was common elsewhere. "When supermarkets issue bills even for sale of a single toothbrush and when the State of Kerala ensures issuance of bills by retail liquor shops, why can't it be done in Tamil Nadu?" Justice Ilanthiraiyan asked.
The Tamil Nadu government had earlier warned Tasmac outlets against overcharging customers, issuing a circular directing employees not to demand additional payments. Despite the warning, customers at several outlets have continued to face demands for an additional Rs 10 or Rs 20 over the stipulated price. The salaries of the Corporation employees were also increased, but complaints of overcharging have persisted at several outlets. The development also comes amid mounting speculation that the TVK government is considering privatising Tasmac outlets in corporations and municipalities. If implemented, the proposal would mark Tamil Nadu's first major shift towards private liquor retail since 2003, when the then AIADMK government brought liquor sales under the state-run Tasmac.
The government, however, has made no official announcement on the proposed privatisation. Political circles are abuzz with reports that legislation paving the way for such a move could be introduced during the upcoming Assembly session. Opposition parties have alleged that the Vijay government is preparing for the move and argued that allowing private liquor retail would increase alcohol consumption instead of advancing the state's long-stated goal of prohibition. Ends
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