Chennai, March 25 – As Tamil Nadu prepares for the state assembly elections, authorities have implemented strict controls on liquor sales following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Tasmac outlets are now operating under increased scrutiny to prevent misuse.
These restrictions align with the norms set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) aimed at ensuring a level playing field during elections by curbing the use of alcohol as an inducement to voters – a practice that has historically triggered heightened surveillance during poll periods.
Under the revised norms, individuals are permitted to purchase liquor only within fixed limits, beyond which possession will be deemed unlawful unless supported by a valid justification, officials said.
The capped limits include 4.5 litres of Indian Made Foreign Spirits (IMFS) or imported liquor, 7.8 litres of beer, and up to nine litres of wine, with enforcement teams tasked with monitoring compliance across the state.
"We have issued clear instructions to all retail outlets to enforce the limits without exception," a senior Tasmac official said.
"The quantities allowed are strictly for personal consumption, and any violation will be dealt with according to the law," he added.
To strengthen oversight, all transactions at the state's 4,787 Tasmac outlets will be digitally tracked through a centralized system operated from Chennai, with mandatory billing and real-time data uploads forming the backbone of monitoring efforts.
The crackdown is expected to significantly curb bulk buying trends typically seen during election periods, especially for private events and gatherings.
Officials have made it clear that such purchases will not be permitted under any circumstances. Authorities have also warned that strict punitive measures will be taken against violators, including legal action and cancellation of licenses for outlets found breaching the prescribed norms, as part of efforts to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
