Tamil Nadu to levy Rs 10 charge on every liquor bottle from November 1

Liquor buyers in Tamil Nadu will pay a little more from November 1, 2026, with a new charge of Rs 10 on every bottle sold in the state.

The charge applies to Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), beer and wine, and will be collected as an environment and social welfare fee on every retail purchase. The government says the money raised will be spent on environment and social welfare projects.

Under the new rule, an extra Rs 10 will be charged on every bottle of IMFL, beer and wine sold in liquor shops and licensed outlets in Tamil Nadu. TASMAC has directed suppliers and local liquor makers to make the necessary changes to their pricing and supply arrangements.

Customers have been given some relief. According to TASMAC, they can get back the Rs 10 by returning empty bottles to designated shops. The extra amount paid as a deposit for returning the bottle will be refunded, but customers will have to follow the designated shops and the return procedure.

To ease the new system, TASMAC has asked suppliers and wholesale depots to put price labels with the correct QR code on bottles. Staff have also been warned not to collect any additional charge without authorisation. Separate bank accounts have been opened in five regional departments to monitor the money transactions.

From November 1, 2026, Rs 10 will be added separately to every bottle of IMFL, beer or wine bought in Tamil Nadu, and the same Rs 10 can be returned to the customer when an empty bottle is handed back to a designated shop.