Chennai: TASMAC has decided to limit cash payments in its liquor retail outlets to Rs 500, requiring customers to use digital modes for any amount above that. The move is aimed at preventing excess collection and increasing transparency in billing.
Tamil Nadu rolled out a computerisation plan in 2024 covering the supply chain from distilleries to retail sales. Under this system, each bottle sold at a shop is scanned using a handheld device, and customers can also pay by scanning a QR code.
Despite these facilities, TASMAC’s collections remain largely cash-driven, with officials noting that more than 80% of payments are still made in cash. Staff typically keep the cash at outlets and deposit it in banks the next day, and incidents of robbery during cash transport have also been reported.
TASMAC also allows customers to select liquor through its website, pay online and show the generated code at outlets to collect the purchase. However, complaints have surfaced that deliveries are delayed for such buyers, which TASMAC has attributed to staff preference for cash transactions.
A TASMAC official said the increased push for digital payments is intended to curb overpricing and address issues such as shortage of change. Instructions to shops on implementing the Rs 500 cash cap are expected to be issued soon.
