Chennai: Prohibition and excise minister K Vignesh has issued a stern warning to transport contractors of Tasmac, stating that demanding money from retail shops could lead to maximum retail price (MRP) violations. During an inspection of distilleries and Tasmac depots on Sunday, the minister questioned transport contractors about the amount they receive per carton at retail shops. A loadman informed him that they collect ₹5 per carton as refreshment money.
Minister's Warning
Vignesh immediately condemned this practice, emphasizing that transport contractors must bear all expenses, including workers' salaries and costs for damaged bottles. He stated, "It is unfair to demand money from retail shops as they end up collecting extra from consumers and get suspended."
Inspection and Transformation Plans
Speaking to the media later, the minister explained that he inspected distilleries to ensure compliance with production norms and prevent pilferage. "I wanted to understand the department top-to-bottom to decide where to begin transformation from," he said. Vignesh assured that complaints of MRP violations are taken seriously, and action will be taken against responsible personnel.
He also dismissed speculations about the privatization of Tasmac, stating, "It is too early to say anything. We have just started studying the organization. The idea is to do things that are good for both the public and the government. The government is making efforts not to depend on Tasmac revenue, which is why we closed 717 shops."
Future Steps
The minister added that shops causing inconvenience to the public will be relocated. "Our next target is to regulate the operations of recreational clubs," he said.
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