Chennai: At a time when political parties are demanding total prohibition and pitching the same idea as a poll plank to woo women voters, Tasmac that runs IMFL outlets has directed its staff to record a 20 per cent hike in liquor sales during this Deepavali.
Supervisors and shop-keepers of Tasmac have been instructed to record a daily surge in sales for the next five days, Tasmac sources said. For the first time, Tasmac top brass had also demanded officials to form a ward-level team comprising tashildar, tasmac executive and police personnel to enhance safety of the shops. The team will also prevent sale of liquor in black market and ensure that liquor is not sold to minors during the festival period.
“Starting from Saturday till Wednesday an additional revenue of Rs 400 crore is expected. Shopkeepers have been instructed to stock all premium brands and ensure that stocks required for about eight days are kept”, a Tasmac source said. Price list of all liquor variants should be displayed in all shops is another standing instruction from the department.
According to Tasmac sources, the regular daily sale of liquor is between Rs 60 and 65 crore and during weekends sale ranges between Rs 90 and 100 crore. Due to state-wide protests and inflation, Tasmac has recorded a total loss of Rs 30 crore in recent weeks. The sale of liquor had also reduced and to bridge the revenue gap, Tasmac is eyeing this Deepavali season putting pressure on its employees.
Meanwhile Tasmac employees have demanded adequate protection for them to run the liquor outlets and extra pay for compensating their holidays. There has to be paid holidays and reduction in working hours said D. Dhanasekar, general secretary, Tamil Nadu Tasmac employees association (AITUC).
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