Tasmac sale gets a ‘boozt’ as campaign on a high in TN

Soon after dates for the Lok Sabha elections were announced, the Tamil Nadu Excise Department put a bar on bulk sale of liquor even for individuals in Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) outlets.

However, going by the statistics, liquor sales across all Tasmac outlets in the State have increased by 10 per cent. On an average, sales per day stands at about Rs 100 crore. A senior Tasmac official told DT Next on Saturday that the liquor sales now stood at Rs 110 crore per day ever since the campaigns kick started in March. “During the weekends, revenue goes up to Rs 120 crore,” he added.

Stating that the sale of beer has increased by 20 per cent a day, the official added that around 12 lakh cases are being sold a day compared to the regular sale of 10 lakh cases.

The official said there is an unusually high demand for high-end liquor with cadre from various political parties, involved in election activities preferring premium brand only.

“The sales of high-end Indian Made Foreign Spirits (IMFL) brands have also increased by 40 per cent. On an average, we sell 10 lakh cases of premium brand liquor. But in the last couple of weeks, the sales have increased to 14 lakh cases,” the official noted.

A senior cadre said grassroots level functionaries demand money for consuming only premier liquor. “This is apart from their daily allowance, that is provided for poll-related work,” he added. He also said with the scorching weather, a few cadre also insist on getting beer, especially in the afternoons.

The official said that sales are expected to increase by 10 per cent in the coming days and the total revenue may go up to Rs 500 crore.

As on date, tasmac has 43 IFML depots, 3,800 retail vending shops and 1,450 bars attached to these Tasmac liquor outlets.