Day One: Not a spirited sale in Tasmac shops

The sales figures too remained modest and, until reports last came in, was less than Rs 10 crore in Chennai city police limits, said Tasmac sources.

With the TN government ordering the re-opening of 700 liquor shops in Chennai police limits, which also comprise parts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur, the anticipated crowds were missing for most part of the day.

Expecting a rush, authorities had introduced the token system, which was capped at 500 customers at all shops. However, when DT Next visited several outlets in north and south Chennai areas, only a few customers could be seen, thus helping officials maintain social distancing norms among the people.

Liquor outlets in Doveton, Otteri, Pursawalkkam, Pulianthope, Egmore, Nungambakkam, Teynampet, Pallavaram, Pammal, Anakaputhur, Chromepet and Tambaram wore a deserted look till 2 pm with only a handful of people. However, in areas like Mylapore and Adyar, tippler turnout was moderate.

“Usually we sell stock worth Rs 2 lakh. But due to poor turnout, the sales were dull,” a salesman in Nungambakkam said, adding, it picked up a little after 5 pm.

Adding to their woes, new liquor prices also surprised many with “low end” tipplers having to officially pay Rs 30 extra per quarter for an ordinary brand liquor bottle, which was usually sold at Rs 110 before lockdown. With Tasmac charging Rs 5 above MRP, consumers were forced to pay Rs 35 more.