The move is aimed at improving transparency and reducing difficulties linked to handling large amounts of cash. Customers buying liquor worth up to Rs 1,000 can continue to pay either in cash or through digital modes.
TTamil Nadu makes digital payments mandatory for liquor bills above Rs 1,000
Chennai,Oct 27, 2026 14:43 IST
Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) will make digital payments compulsory for retail liquor purchases exceeding Rs 1,000 from November 1, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The move is aimed at improving transparency and reducing difficulties linked to handling large amounts of cash. Customers buying liquor worth up to Rs 1,000 can continue to pay either in cash or through digital modes.
Citing an official circular, a senior TASMAC official told PTI on Tuesday that the state-owned corporation operates 4,048 retail liquor shops across Tamil Nadu.
Although payments through UPI, debit cards and credit cards are already accepted, most transactions are still made in cash, the official said.
“Handling large amounts of physical currency daily has created significant operational hurdles for shop staff, including safety risks during cash transit, account discrepancies, and the risk of counterfeit currency,” he added.
The official said the state administration had repeatedly received public complaints about customers being charged more than the Maximum Retail Price. Digital payments would record every transaction in real time with exact timestamps and amounts, help prevent overcharging and ensure that sales revenue is credited directly to official bank accounts.
The digital payment requirement will be introduced in phases. From November 1, any single purchase worth more than Rs 1,000 must be paid for through UPI, debit cards or credit cards, the official said.
“Customers purchasing within these limited amounts will retain the option to pay via cash or digital means. To maintain strict control, TASMAC has strictly banned staff from accepting payments via personal QR codes or individual bank accounts,” he said.
Any violation of the rule will lead to severe disciplinary action against the employees concerned, the official said. “The outlet supervisors are instructed to issue physical bills for every purchase and hand over liquor bottles only after verifying the transaction on official POS machines.”
All shops will display prominent two-by-three-foot notice boards informing customers about the rules, the official told PTI. District managers have been directed to check payment machines, ensure proper network connectivity and conduct weekly reviews of the transition.
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