Chennai, Oct 28:
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) is reportedly preparing to introduce phased digital-payment rules at liquor retail outlets, with electronic payments to become mandatory for purchases exceeding Rs 1,000 from November 1.
According to a report published by Live Chennai on Tuesday, the threshold will be lowered further from January 1, 2027, when customers buying liquor worth more than Rs 500 will reportedly have to pay through digital methods such as UPI or other accepted electronic payment systems.
The proposed changes are aimed at improving transparency in sales and reducing problems associated with cash transactions, including the handling of large amounts of money, counterfeit currency and shortages of change.
Outlets have reportedly been instructed to ensure that payment machines are linked to authorised TASMAC bank accounts. Employees may face disciplinary action if they collect payments through their personal bank accounts. Shops are also expected to issue bills for every sale and ensure that customers are not charged more than the billed amount.
Staff have reportedly been told to hand over liquor only after confirming that a digital payment has been completed and the money has been received.
Customers should check for an official TASMAC announcement before relying on the reported implementation dates and payment thresholds, as the information available so far is based on the published report.