TASMAC Digital Payment Rules : If you are planning to buy liquor in Tamil Nadu, the payment rules are about to change. From November 1, digital payments will be mandatory for purchases exceeding ₹1,000 at government-licensed liquor shops. Customers will be able to pay through UPI, debit cards or credit cards. The rule is being introduced at outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The aim is to improve transparency in liquor sales and address complaints about customers being charged more than the prescribed prices.

Digital Payments Mandatory Above ₹500 From January
The new system will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, starting November 1, digital payments will be compulsory for liquor purchases exceeding ₹1,000. From January 1, 2027, the requirement will be extended to purchases exceeding ₹500. The system is planned to be introduced gradually across the state’s 4,048 retail liquor outlets. This could help reduce cash transactions at shops and ensure that every sale is recorded.

New Rule Aims to Prevent Overcharging Customers
One of the main reasons behind the decision is the complaints that customers are being charged more than the maximum retail price (MRP) printed on liquor bottles. Digital payments will create a transaction record that can be used when investigating complaints. For example, if a customer is charged ₹1,300 for a purchase worth ₹1,200, the payment record could help support an investigation. This would make it easier for customers to provide evidence when reporting overcharging.

Personal UPI Accounts Cannot Be Used for Payments
TASMAC Managing Director K. Nanthakumar has instructed district managers to ensure that the new system is implemented. Under the rules, payments through UPI, debit cards and credit cards must be processed using point-of-sale (POS) machines linked to the corporation’s authorised bank accounts. Employees will not be allowed to accept payments through their personal UPI IDs, private QR codes or individual bank accounts. This arrangement is intended to ensure that sales revenue goes directly into the corporation’s authorised accounts.

Bills Must Be Issued for Every Purchase
Under the new system, shops will be required to issue a bill for every purchase. Employees must also ensure that customers are charged exactly the applicable MRP. District managers will be responsible for checking POS machines and training employees in digital payments and transaction record-keeping. In addition, shops will be required to display a notice measuring 2 × 3 feet to inform customers about the payment rules.

Customers Can Report Violations and Overcharging
Supervisors, district managers and TASMAC headquarters officials will be responsible for monitoring the new system. If complaints about overcharging or other violations are received, supervisors must immediately inform the district managers. Monthly reports will also be prepared to review whether the system is being implemented properly at the outlets. Customers who are charged more than the MRP or notice other irregularities can lodge complaints through the TASMAC toll-free helpline at 1800 889 2015.