Panel to be formed soon to examine liquor retail models in other States, says the Minister for Prohibition and Excise

From shutting down liquor outlets near schools and places of worship to cracking down on overcharging at Tasmac counters and announcing a 25% salary increase for workers, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government has initiated a series of reforms in the State-run liquor retail system. 

Its latest proposal is to constitute a high-level committee to study the functioning of excise and liquor retail departments in other States so as to introduce further reforms in Tamil Nadu.

Minister for Prohibition and Excise K. Vignesh told The Hindu that the committee would be formed soon. “The committee will study the functioning of excise departments in Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, among other States, including liquor procurement, retail operations, and employee service conditions,” he said. 

“Based on its findings, the government would take steps to address employees’ demands,” he said. The order to constitute the committee would be issued under the directions of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, he added.

Tasmac, a major revenue generator for the Tamil Nadu government, operates 4,048 retail liquor outlets across the State. It generates around ₹150 crore from liquor sales every day through its retail network.