After three years, liquor prices will be increased in Tamil Nadu by ₹10 per quarter (180 ml). According to a government official, an order regarding this will be issued any time. “We are waiting for the approval to release the order,” he said. The State had last hiked liquor prices in November 2014.
As per the quality, liquor has been divided into three categories: Ordinary, medium and premium. Ordinary liquor per quarter (180 ml) which is now sold at ₹88 will bear a price tag of ₹100. Medium liquor will go up to ₹110 from ₹100 and premium liquor which bears a price tag of ₹120 to ₹380 (depending on the brand) will see an increase of ₹10 to the current bill.
On an average the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), which controls liquor sale in the State, sells liquor worth about ₹70 crore during weekdays. During weekends and festivals this figure touches ₹90-100 crore mark.
During 2016-17 the government revenue earned through sale of liquor in Tamil Nadu stood at ₹26,995 crore (Excise Revenue ₹6,248 crore and VAT (sales tax) was ₹20, 747 crore)