Tamil Nadu’s state-run liquor retailer TASMAC is facing renewed scrutiny, with allegations ranging from systematic overcharging to opaque supply and transport practices. The report says TASMAC generates about ₹50,000 crore annually for the state and employs around 25,000 people across its network.
According to the claims, liquor sold at ₹140–₹320 per quarter bottle is said to cost far less to produce, while consumers allegedly pay steep mark-ups. The report states there are 4,048 TASMAC outlets statewide, selling about 66 lakh bottles a day, and alleges that bottles are routinely sold above the printed price—earlier by ₹10 per bottle.
It further alleges that the extra collection amounts to about ₹6.60 crore a day, translating to roughly ₹200 crore a month and ₹2,500 crore a year. The report also claims that procurement and distribution—such as sourcing, supply to shops and truck rentals—lack transparent tendering and enable irregularities, including movement of duty-unpaid stock.
The article recalls that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier conducted searches at TASMAC offices and residences of senior officials during a previous DMK tenure, claiming to have seized documents and registered a case alleging at least ₹1,000 crore in monthly corruption. It adds that the Supreme Court later stayed the ED’s probe in the matter.
In a recent development highlighted by the report, TASMAC staff allegedly shut shops for multiple days in some places and for a day in several others, described as a direct challenge to the Chief Minister. The report also claims that overcharging has increased in some outlets, with certain “11 to 11” shops allegedly collecting up to ₹30 extra per bottle.
