Soon, CCTV check on tipplers across Tasmac shops in Tamil Nadu

This decision comes against the backdrop of the Madras High Court questioning Tasmac authorities about steps taken to prevent law and order problems and nuisance caused on account of drunken behaviour.

The move is also expected to curb overcharging above the MRP by the sales persons. A senior Tasmac official told DTNext on Saturday that in the first phase, 3,000 retail vending shops across Tamil Nadu will be provided CCTV surveillance cameras. 

“It will aim at providing a holistic and integrated surveillance system including cloud-based IP CCTV surveillance cameras and video analytics,” he added.

Accordingly, district monitoring centres will be set up at each of the 38 district manager’s offices of Tasmac. Live feeds of cameras that fall under the jurisdiction of each district will be monitored from its respective monitoring centre at the district manager’s office.

“The CCTV will not only be used for monitoring people in the bar but footage can be used as evidence during probes,” the official said, adding, “it will allow other higher-ups to review the status of a particular shop if the need arises.”

The official further said that activities at these shops will also be recorded. “As per the plan, we will initially purchase 6,000 CCTVs. One camera will be established inside the liquor shop to monitor the working of sales persons and another will be installed at the bar to monitor customers’ behaviour,” he noted.

As on January 2019, Tasmac has 43 Indian Made Foreign Spirits (IMFS) depots, 4,000 retail vending shops and 1,456 bars attached to liquor centres.