Chennai: Intelligence police have begun a statewide verification drive to check allegations that TASMAC retail outlets are collecting an additional Rs 10 per liquor bottle. Officials said details of outlets found charging extra are being compiled and forwarded to senior authorities.
TASMAC operates more than 4,700 retail liquor shops across Tamil Nadu, employing 23,629 staff including salespersons, assistant salespersons and supervisors. The allegation of an extra Rs 10 being collected per bottle had surfaced during the previous DMK regime.
The report also notes that the current Chief Minister Vijay had publicly mocked the issue during election campaigning with the phrase “ten rupees per bottle,” and later directed that the practice be eliminated. He also instructed that action be taken against TASMAC employees involved in overcharging.
Following the directive, police have been monitoring whether TASMAC outlets close by 10 pm and whether any illegal liquor sales take place. They are also visiting shops to verify complaints of overcharging and to check for illegal sales around outlets and whether licensed drinking areas near TASMAC shops operate beyond permitted hours.
Based on the ongoing checks, a first-stage report has been submitted to the government, and further inquiries are continuing, police said.
