CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Excise Department has announced a comprehensive set of enforcement, rehabilitation and technology-driven measures for 2026–27 to curb illicit liquor production, prevent spurious alcohol and strengthen prohibition enforcement across the state. The initiatives were announced by K. Vignesh, Minister for Prohibition and Excise, while presenting Demand for Grants No. 37 in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
As part of the rehabilitation programme, the Tamil Nadu government has doubled the financial assistance available to reformed illicit liquor offenders who have completed their sentences and given up criminal activities. The individual grant has been increased from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, with a total allocation of ₹10 crore. The assistance is aimed at helping beneficiaries establish sustainable self-employment ventures and improve their socio-economic conditions.
The Tamil Nadu Excise Department will also strengthen enforcement in remote and difficult-to-access areas. The government has allocated ₹2.58 crore to equip the Prohibition Enforcement Wing with advanced operational resources, including 10 four-wheel-drive all-terrain vehicles and 10 high-resolution surveillance drones. The equipment will be deployed across 10 vulnerable districts and cities, particularly in forested and hilly areas considered susceptible to illicit liquor activities.
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Technology-led governance is another key focus of the 2026–27 excise initiatives. The government has earmarked ₹1.69 crore for expanding the e-Kalaal digital platform. The upgraded system will include modules for licence amendments, licence surrender and cancellation, while also streamlining permits related to foreign liquor imports and beer exports.
The state government has also increased funding for public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing alcohol-related harms and discouraging illicit liquor consumption. The statewide awareness campaign budget has been doubled from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore. In addition, ₹2 crore has been earmarked specifically for digital and social media campaigns targeting young people.
A dedicated Methanol Control Policy is also being introduced to prevent the misuse and diversion of industrial methanol for illicit liquor production. The policy is intended to strengthen controls over the handling and movement of methanol and reduce the risk of the chemical being diverted into clandestine brewing networks.
The combination of rehabilitation support, stronger field enforcement, surveillance technology, digital licensing systems and public awareness campaigns marks a multi-pronged approach by the Tamil Nadu Excise Department to tackle illicit liquor. The state government is also focusing on preventing the diversion of industrial chemicals as part of its broader strategy to protect public health and strengthen excise enforcement during FY 2026–27.
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