Is Tamil Nadu Govt Allowing Online Apps Swiggy, Zomato To Deliver Liquor To Homes? TASMAC Responds

Amid reports suggesting that the Tamil Nadu government is considering granting permission to Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and other apps to sell alcohol online, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has clarified that it has not given any such permission to deliver liquor to homes.

TASMAC, a government-owned company, holds a monopoly over the wholesale and retail vending of alcoholic beverages in Tamil Nadu and controls the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) trade in the state.

Reports had claimed that the initiative would begin with beverages containing low alcohol content, such as wine, beer, and liqueurs. A senior executive, speaking to the Economic Times on condition of anonymity, said, "This is to cater to a growing expat population, changing consumer profiles who perceive moderate alcohol-content spirits as recreational drinking along with meals, and women and senior citizens who find traditional liquor shops unpleasant."

The executive also dismissed concerns about unchecked online sales, noting that mandatory eKYC, upper caps on purchases, and OTP verifications between stores, delivery executives, and customers would ensure proper regulation.

Online alcohol delivery was available during the COVID-19 lockdowns in states like Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, albeit with certain restrictions. In Bengal and Odisha, online delivery of liquor has led to a 20-30 per cent increase in sales of premium brands.

TASMAC generates an average revenue of over Rs 100 crore per day through retail sales, with significant increases during weekends and special occasions like New Year, Diwali, and Pongal. For instance, during Diwali, sales can exceed Rs 750 crore within three or four days.

To address long-standing grievances, TASMAC considered selling 90 ml liquor bottles, though a plan to sell 90 ml liquor in tetra packets was strongly condemned by political parties. Opposition leaders, particularly Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, have been urged to avoid programs that promote alcohol consumption and to abandon any plans for online liquor sales. The founder of the Patali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Ramadoss, threatened to mobilize people for a massive protest if such plans were pursued.

In response, TASMAC management has clarified that there are no plans to sell liquor online or introduce alcoholic beverages in tetra packets.