Imported whisky, rum, vodka, gin, to get costly in Tamil Nadu. Here's why

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Tamil Nadu will have to dig deeper into their pockets to enjoy imported foreign liquor and varieties from other states, as Tasmac, the state-run liquor corporation, has raised the maximum retail prices. As per ToI report, the revised MRP list indicates a nominal increase for beer varieties, with a hike of Rs 10 for 330 ml tins and Rs 20 for 500 ml tins. However, the prices of vodka, whisky, gin, and rum varieties have seen substantial hikes, with Rs 240 increase for 700 and 750 ml bottles, and a staggering Rs 320 increase for one-litre bottles.

This rise is attributed to the special fee for agents of imported liquors, ToI stated. The MRP list boasts over 500 varieties and brands of imported liquor, but consumers have expressed discontent as only about 10 per cent of these varieties are available at retail shops. Imported liquors are exclusively sold at specific shops, previously known as Elite shops, found in malls and a few other shopping complexes.

Furthermore, Tasmac has also raised prices for liquor varieties procured from other states. While 18 liquor varieties have become costlier by up to Rs 320, sources indicate that only three of these varieties are widely available at all retail shops. For instance, 100 Pipers Blended Scotch Whisky, previously sold for Rs 460 per 180 ml, now retails at Rs 520, and Globus wine's price has increased from Rs 140 to Rs 170 per 180 ml.

Meanwhile, Tasmac has also warned its staff that they will face suspensions if they charge customers more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for liquor. Tasmac's managing director, S Visagan, has sent a circular to all senior regional managers, instructing them to take action against supervisors and salesmen if MRP violations are reported. Failure to