Chennai, September 1: The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing ₹50,000 crore in revenue for the first time in the fiscal year 2025-26. This figure highlights the state’s ongoing reliance on taxes collected from alcohol sales.
According to the Home, Prohibition, and Excise Department’s policy for 2026-27, the state-owned liquor retailer generated ₹50,845 crore in revenue during the last financial year. This marks an increase of ₹2,464 crore, or approximately 5%, compared to the ₹48,381 crore earned in 2024-25.
The record revenue accounts for about 26% of Tamil Nadu’s total tax revenue, making the liquor trade one of the most significant sources of funding for the state treasury. The value-added tax contributed the most, generating ₹39,010 crore, while excise duties brought in ₹11,836 crore.
Recent data indicates that revenue growth has continued into the current fiscal year. In the first four months of 2026-27, TASMAC earned ₹17,855 crore. Based on departmental estimates, a further 5.3% increase in annual revenue is expected this year. The revenue collected in just four months averages over ₹4,460 crore per month.
TASMAC operates the retail sale of Indian-made foreign liquor across Tamil Nadu and has long been a central topic in discussions about government revenue, public health, and prohibition.
The corporation’s financial performance is closely monitored, as even minor changes in alcohol sales or tax rates can significantly impact the state’s overall income. This recent achievement comes amid ongoing criticism regarding the operation of liquor shops and bars. Various political parties, activists, and segments of the public have repeatedly expressed concerns about the availability of alcohol and its social consequences.
Moreover, the scale of revenue generated by TASMAC underscores the financial challenge of reducing the state’s dependence on alcohol-related income. Over a quarter of Tamil Nadu’s total tax revenue is now linked to TASMAC’s collections, and the figures for 2025-26 reflect the corporation’s growing importance in the state’s finances. If the anticipated 5.3% increase is realized in 2026-27, revenue from alcohol sales will surpass the historic ₹50,000 crore mark, strengthening government revenue while continuing the debate on regulation, social costs, and revenue dependence.
Leave a Comment