The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Liquor consumption goes up in State

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 07, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Liquor consumption goes up in State

R.K. Radhakrishnan

Sale of IMFS increases from 187 lakh cases to 226 lakh

CHENNAI: Many popular liquor brands are still not available in the State, but that has not stopped people from taking to the available ones: liquor consumption in the first 10 months of the financial year has crossed last year's sales by a good distance.

In 2005-06, the total number of IMFS (Indian Made Foreign Spirit) cases sold was 187 lakh. Up to January this year, this had increased to 226 lakh cases. Beer sales stood at 110 lakh cases in 2005-06. In 2006-07 (up to January) this had gone up to 148 lakh cases.

TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) turnover this year stands at Rs. 7,401 crore against Rs. 7,314 crore in 2005-06. The Government has so far earned revenue of Rs. 5,599.38 crore against Rs. 4,921.81 crore last year.

Asked about permission for other liquor brands to sell in the State, a senior Government official smiled away the question. Another pointed out that it was because of the initiative of a former Chief Secretary that at least a few Indian-made whiskey brands were available in the State.

The Government has now issued Tamil Nadu Winery Rules 2006, to enable setting up of wineries in the State. This will be a new venture. A Government official said that this would significantly add to the revenue and also provide employment for many people.

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