The Tamil Nadu government plans to install reverse vending machines (RVMs) at all 4,048 outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) to streamline empty liquor bottle collection and improve transparency in the bottle buy-back system. Minister for Prohibition and Excise K. Vignesh announced on November 2, 2026, that the tendering process for procuring the machines is expected to be completed within 20 days.
Under the proposed system, consumers will be able to return empty liquor bottles at any TASMAC outlet across Tamil Nadu, irrespective of where they originally purchased them. The initiative is aimed at making bottle returns more convenient while improving accountability in the collection and recording of returned containers.
Explaining the changes to the existing system, Vignesh said the government had incorporated the ₹10 bottle buy-back charge into the maximum retail price (MRP) of liquor.
United Spirits Popular Liquor Sales Decline 22.7% to ₹181 Crore in Q2 FY27 Amid Excise Policy Changes
Bihar Drug Seizures Raise Concerns Over Narcotics Trafficking After a Decade of Liquor Prohibition
He alleged that under the previous administration, ₹10 was collected as a party fund and another ₹10 towards the bottle return scheme. The minister said the government had discontinued the alleged party-fund collection and retained the amount intended for bottle returns.
He also raised concerns over discrepancies between the number of empty bottles recorded in official accounts and the actual number returned, despite the collection of the buy-back charge. The proposed automated system is expected to help address such issues by bringing greater transparency to the process.
The minister also warned TASMAC employees against disrupting operations through protests or shop closures. He said notices had been issued to 960 employees and four workers had been suspended for allegedly asking outlets to remain closed. An inquiry was underway into other reported closures, he added.
Separately, the government is considering larger TASMAC outlets measuring between 500 and 1,000 square feet, with separate billing and delivery facilities. Vignesh said revised MRPs would be printed on liquor bottles and consumers should not pay more than the displayed price.
On private bars, the minister said licence holders would not be permitted to sublet their premises and that a list of such establishments would be prepared. The government is also considering relocating certain TASMAC outlets. However, no decision has been taken on handing over TASMAC operations to private players, with the minister citing potential risks associated with such a move.
About the Author
