Chennai: A day before the reopening of its TASMAC wine shops in the State, the Tamilnadu government today increased liquor prices.
According to an official release, since the government has increased duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by 15 percent, ordinary liquor will cost Rs 10 more for 180 ml (quarter bottle) and premier liquor will cost Rs 20 more for the same quantity.
This will come into effect from 7 May, it added. The government Monday evening announced opening of liquor shops in the State, which remained closed in view of the lockdown to prevent spread of coronavirus, from 10 am to 5 pm from 7 May, with stringent conditions.
The government’s move followed reports that people in bordering districts of Tamilnadu were thronging the wine shops in neighbouring Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, where the shops were allowed to open.
While the government’s announcement brought cheers to the tipplers, their joy, however, was shortlived when it was announced that shops coming under Chennai limits would not be opened on 7 May and that fresh dates would be
announced later.
Meanwhile, leaders of various Opposition parties, including the DMK, besides ruling AIADMK’s ally, the PMK, criticised the government’s decision to open the TASMAC shops at a time when the state was battling to prevent corona pandemic.