The policy will cover approximately 4,048 TASMAC outlets across Tamil Nadu. The cash payment threshold will be lowered further to ₹500 from January 1, 2027, as part of a phased move towards cashless transactions.

Digital Payments to Improve Transparency

The initiative aims to reduce cash handling, prevent accounting discrepancies and address complaints about customers being charged more than the maximum retail price (MRP) of liquor bottles.

Digital transactions can provide a clearer record of payments, helping improve accountability at retail outlets. TASMAC has instructed officials to ensure that every sale is accompanied by a bill and that customers are not charged more than the amount printed on it.

Official Payment Systems Made Mandatory

TASMAC has directed district managers to ensure that all outlets have functioning point-of-sale (PoS) machines linked to the corporation's designated bank account. Customers will be able to make digital payments through authorised systems.

Employees have been prohibited from collecting payments through their personal UPI IDs, QR codes or bank accounts. Any violation of the directive could lead to disciplinary action.

Officials have also been instructed to report technical problems with PoS machines, internet connections or servers promptly to ensure that payment facilities remain operational.

What Customers Should Know

From November 1, customers making a single liquor purchase exceeding ₹1,000 must pay digitally. From January 1, 2027, the requirement will apply to purchases exceeding ₹500.

TASMAC has also directed outlets to display notices explaining the new payment rules and providing information on how customers can report irregularities. Consumers can contact the corporation's toll-free complaint number, 1800 889 2015, to report overcharging and other violations.

The move marks a further step in Tamil Nadu's efforts to strengthen transparency in liquor retail sales and encourage digital payments across its state-run outlets.