Tamil Nadu: liquor purchases above Rs 1,000 at TASMAC shops to need digital payment from Nov 1

Customers buying liquor in Tamil Nadu with only cash in their pockets could soon run into trouble. From November 1, 2026, purchases of liquor worth more than Rs 1,000 will have to be paid for digitally, through UPI, debit card or credit card.

The decision has been taken by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, or TASMAC. Its aim is to reduce the use of cash at shops, increase transparency in transactions and curb complaints of customers being overcharged.

The rule carries an exemption. For purchases of up to Rs 1,000, customers may pay in cash or digitally, as they choose. The restriction applies only to purchases above Rs 1,000. The rule will apply specifically to the liquor shops run by TASMAC, so anyone visiting Tamil Nadu from outside the state and buying liquor there will be covered by it too.

According to TASMAC, the state currently has 4,048 retail liquor shops. Although digital payment options are available, most transactions are still in cash. The company says handling so much cash puts staff safety at risk, can lead to errors in accounts and carries the risk of counterfeit notes.

With digital payment, the time and amount of every transaction will be recorded, making record-keeping easier. It will also be easier to track complaints in which customers say they were charged more than the maximum retail price.

Action against violators has also been spelt out. TASMAC officials said employees who violate the new rules will face strict action. Store supervisors have been instructed to issue a bill for every purchase and to confirm payment on an authorised POS machine.

From November 1, cash will not be accepted for purchases above Rs 1,000 at TASMAC shops in Tamil Nadu. Customers will have to pay by UPI or card and collect a bill from the shop.