"The news that the Tamil Nadu government is taking steps to introduce 25 more new types of liquor in TASMAC shops is deeply concerning," the Federation of Tamil Nadu Prohibition Movements has condemned the Tamil Nadu government.
In this regard, in a statement issued by the coordinator of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Prohibition Movements, Advocate C. C. Rasan, "Talks have been held with more than 20 liquor companies, and 25 new liquor varieties have been selected.
TASMAC officials have said that pricing for them is currently being finalized, and sales will begin after approval from the TASMAC board of directors.
No talks have been held with neighboring states that produce rice to control the steadily rising rice prices. There is also no clarity on what plan exists to increase rice production in Tamil Nadu in the future. Moreover, Tamil Nadu is currently facing various social issues, including unemployment, rising prices, the livelihood of farmers, education, healthcare, women’s safety, child safety, and drug use. There has been no discussion or consultation on this.
In such a situation, why increase the varieties of alcoholic beverages instead of improving people’s quality of life? On the one hand, the government puts forward the goal of a drug-free Tamil Nadu. On the other hand, steps are being taken to increase new varieties in liquor sales. The government must clarify the contradiction between these two approaches.
To estimate how much liquor sales will be in Tamil Nadu in the 2026-27 financial year, the latest TASMAC revenue and the Tamil Nadu government’s budget data can be used as a basis.
In 2024-25, TASMAC’s total revenue was around Rs. 48,381 crore, and in 2025-26 it has risen to Rs. 50,845.84 crore. This is about 5.1 percent higher than the previous year. In the Tamil Nadu government’s 2026-27 budget, state excise revenue has been estimated at Rs. 14,164 crore.
This is 14 percent higher than the revised estimate of Rs. 12,462 crore for 2025-26. Therefore, if last year’s growth is taken as the basis, revenue for 2026-27 could be around Rs. 54,000 crore. It is hard not to wonder whether new varieties are being introduced with this target in mind.
The government, which had shut down 717 TASMAC shops operating near schools, places of worship, and bus stands, is now introducing 25 new varieties of liquor; introducing new liquor brands is contradictory to the government’s goal of a “drug-free Tamil Nadu.”
The government should think about the social consequences that could arise among youth and the younger generation if new liquor varieties are introduced. How many rehabilitation and treatment centers for families affected by alcohol have been established? What is the government’s clear timeline and action plan for gradually transforming Tamil Nadu into a prohibition state? These are the questions people are raising before the government.
The government should not view liquor sales merely as a source of revenue; it must take into account the economic and health conditions of families. The government should establish counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation services for recovery from alcohol and substance addiction at every primary health center. Opportunities for sports, employment, and social participation for young people should be expanded.
A Tamil Nadu free of intoxication must become a practical policy to reduce liquor sales, not just an empty slogan of the government. Therefore, the Tamil Nadu government should reconsider the move to introduce 25 new types of liquor.
The government should gradually reduce the number of liquor shops and release an action plan with a clear timeline toward prohibition, the Federation of Tamil Nadu Anti-Liquor Movements has urged," he said.