The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has reported record liquor sales for the fiscal year 2023-24, crossing the ₹45,000 crore mark. This marks an increase of nearly ₹1,730 crore from the previous year, reflecting a consistent upward trend in revenue from liquor sales.Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Muthusamy, who also oversees the Prohibition and Excise department, presented these figures while moving the demand for grants for his department in the State Legislative Assembly. He detailed that sales grew from ₹44,121.13 crore in 2022-23 to ₹45,855.67 crore in 2023-24.
The revenue from liquor sales has shown a steady rise over the past few years. In 2019-20, TASMAC recorded ₹33,133.24 crore in sales, which saw a marginal increase to ₹33,811.15 crore in 2020-21. The following year, 2021-22, saw a more substantial increase, with sales reaching ₹36,050.65 crore. This consistent growth is partly attributed to periodic price hikes introduced by the state government.
The increase in revenue is significant not only in absolute terms but also in percentage growth, reflecting a robust sales margin. The operation of 4,829 liquor retail vending shops under TASMAC has been a major revenue generator for the state, funding various welfare schemes.
Muthusamy emphasized the importance of these revenues for the state’s fiscal health and its ability to support public welfare initiatives. The ₹45,855.67 crore in sales for 2023-24 underscores the vital role that TASMAC plays in Tamil Nadu’s economy.