Following allegations that the Tamil Nadu government is considering allowing Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and other apps to sell alcohol online, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has emphasized that it has not granted such authority to distribute liquor to homes. TASMAC, a government-owned firm, has a monopoly on wholesale and retail alcoholic beverage sales in Tamil Nadu, as well as control over the state's Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) trade.
According to reports, the program would begin with low-alcohol beverages including wine, beer, and liqueurs. According to a senior executive who spoke with the Economic Times on the condition of anonymity, this is to cater to a growing expat population, changing consumer profiles who perceive moderate alcohol-content spirits as recreational drinking alongside meals, and women and senior citizens who find traditional liquor stores unpleasant.
The executive also dismissed concerns about unregulated online sales, stating that required eKYC, purchase caps, and OTP verifications between businesses, delivery executives, and customers would assure effective oversight. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, online alcohol delivery was available in states including Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, though with limits. In Bengal and Odisha, online booze delivery of premium brand has increased by 20-30%.
TASMAC generates around Rs 100 crore each day in retail sales, with considerable increases over weekends and important holidays such as New Year, Diwali, and Pongal. For example, around Diwali, sales can top Rs 750 crore in just three or four days. To answer long-standing complaints, TASMAC contemplated selling 90 ml liquor bottles, but a plan to sell 90 ml liquor in tetra packs was vigorously opposed by political groups.
Opposition leaders, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, have been asked to shun alcohol-promoting initiatives and forsake any plans for internet booze sales. Ramadoss, the founder of the Patali Makkal Katchi (PMK), has threatened to rally people for a large demonstration if such plans are implemented. TASMAC management responded by clarifying that there are no intentions to sell booze online or launch alcoholic beverages in tetra packages.