Tasmac introduces demand based liquor supply to expand consumer choice in TN

Chennai: Liquor consumers in Tamil Nadu will now have a better chance of finding their preferred brands at TASMAC outlets, with the state-run retailer introducing a demand-based stock supply system from Monday.

The change marks the withdrawal of the uniform distribution mechanism introduced after the TVK government assumed office.

Under the revised arrangement, liquor stocks will be supplied to each outlet according to sales patterns and requests submitted by the shop concerned.

Tamil Nadu has nearly 4,000 liquor outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation. During the previous administration, TASMAC procured brandy, whisky and other spirits from 11 companies, while beer was purchased from seven manufacturers.

After coming to power, the TVK government announced that liquor would be procured in equal quantities from all manufacturers and products from every approved company would be made available for sale. The policy came into force on July 20, with stocks distributed uniformly among TASMAC outlets across the state.

However, the system reportedly created difficulties at several shops because local demand varied. Consumers complained that their preferred brands were frequently unavailable, while bottles with limited demand remained unsold on shelves and in warehouses.

The mismatch between supply and customer preference prompted the TASMAC administration to review its procurement and distribution procedure. Under the new system, district managers have been instructed to place requests for stocks only after assessing the requirements of outlets.

The earlier practice of purchasing equal quantities from all liquor companies and distributing them evenly to every TASMAC shop will be discontinued.

The TASMAC Managing Director has directed senior regional managers, district managers and warehouse managers to comply with the revised order.

Officials responsible for supply will have to consider the sales performance of products, consumer preferences and the volume of demand recorded at each outlet before dispatching bottles. The move is expected to reduce the accumulation of slow-moving and unsold liquor stocks at shops and warehouses.

It is also intended to ensure that popular varieties and brands are replenished in line with local demand. Officials expect the change to improve stock management, minimise avoidable inventory and make the retail distribution network more responsive to consumers.

The revised system will be monitored through sales and inventory records to ensure that supplies reflect demand at TASMAC shops across Tamil Nadu.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IANS

[email protected]