Chennai: With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force since March 15, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Ltd (Tasmac) has clamped down on liquor sales and bulk purchases across the state. It has capped stock levels to prevent hoarding and has instructed supervisors to not sell liquor in exchange for coupons or tokens issued by political parties.With regard to stock and sales, salesmen and supervisors must ensure that liquor availability in each shop does not exceed 50% of the stock held on the corresponding date last year, while daily sales should be capped at 30% of the average sales recorded in Feb. “Sales beyond 30% will be considered bulk sales, and stock beyond 50% would amount to hoarding,” said a Tasmac official. Tasmac has been holding review meetings every day with district managers and supervisors. “Those who breached the limitations will be called for an explanation by the respective district manager,” added the official.Tasmac also warned against hoarding of liquor by attached bars for illicit sale after 10pm and before noon. “If violations by bars are detected, their licence will be cancelled and an FIR will be filed. The deposit made by the bar will also be surrendered to the exchequer,” said Tasmac management in its circular. Tasmac supervisors and salesmen, however, said they have never sold liquor in exchange for coupons or tokens. “We have been told not to sell liquor in bulk, but the definition of bulk is not clear. There is no clarity on how many bottles an individual can buy,” said a supervisor.
