Chennai: The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which operates the state’s retail liquor network, will make digital payments mandatory for liquor purchases exceeding ₹1,000 from November 1, 2026. The new directive will apply across all 4,048 TASMAC liquor outlets in the state and aims to improve transparency, strengthen revenue monitoring and address complaints of overcharging beyond the maximum retail price (MRP).
According to a senior TASMAC official cited by news agency PTI, customers purchasing liquor worth more than ₹1,000 in a single transaction will be required to pay through digital modes, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), debit cards and credit cards. Cash payments will continue to be permitted for purchases of ₹1,000 or less during the initial phase of implementation. Although digital payment facilities are already available at many outlets, cash continues to account for a significant share of transactions.
The decision follows repeated consumer complaints alleging that liquor retailers charge prices above the MRP printed on bottles. TASMAC expects the new payment system to create verifiable electronic records of sales, improve transaction traceability and ensure that collections are deposited directly into the corporation’s official bank accounts.
The official said handling large volumes of physical cash creates operational challenges for outlet employees, including security risks during cash transportation, discrepancies in accounting and the possibility of counterfeit currency. Digital payments are expected to simplify reconciliation and help authorities identify differences between liquor sales and revenue collected.
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United Breweries Q2 Results: Net Profit Jumps 190% to ₹134.81 Crore, Revenue Rises 24% on Premium Beer GrowthUnder the new guidelines, TASMAC employees are prohibited from accepting payments through personal QR codes or individual bank accounts. Outlet supervisors must issue physical bills for every purchase and verify payments through official point-of-sale (POS) machines before handing over liquor bottles. Employees who violate the prescribed rules may face strict disciplinary action.
As part of the implementation plan, all TASMAC outlets must display prominent notice boards measuring 2 feet by 3 feet to inform customers about the revised payment rules. District managers have been directed to oversee preparations, ensure compliance and maintain adequate network connectivity for uninterrupted digital transactions. TASMAC will also conduct weekly reviews to monitor implementation and resolve operational difficulties during the transition. The move marks a significant step towards digitising liquor retail transactions in Tamil Nadu, with the state-owned retailer seeking greater financial accountability, improved consumer protection and tighter monitoring of liquor sales and revenue collection.
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