Liquor prices in Tamil Nadu to rise starting Feb 1: Get all the details
Published on: February 1, 2024.
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Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has announced that the prices of liquor sold by the company will be increasing from February 1. This decision comes as a result of an increase in excise tax on liquors.
The price of 180 ml of regular and medium-quality liquor will be raised by Rs 10, while high-quality liquor will experience a price increase of Rs 20 for the same quantity. Additionally, there will be a Rs 10 increase for 650 ml beers.
Tasmac is a state-run company that handles the wholesale and retail sales of alcoholic beverages in Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1983 and is incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956. The corporation often becomes a central topic of discussion during election seasons.
Despite allegations made by the Bharatiya Janata Party, the current DMK-led government has defended Tasmac, stating that it is not being used as a “cash-cow.” The government emphasizes that Tasmac’s purpose is to reduce the number of liquor addicts and prevent the illicit distillation of arrack.
Interestingly, prior to the 2021 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, both the DMK and AIADMK parties promised a phased shutdown of Tasmac. However, the sale of liquor in the previous financial year (2022-23) amounted to Rs 44,098.56 crore, indicating its significance in the state’s economy.
Source: Business Standard
