CHENNAI: In a bid to end the menace of overcharging of liquor, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (Tasmac) is set to roll out a mobile app from Thursday, letting customers check prices, place orders and pay online before they even reach the shop. The system will be introduced in all 4,038 retail liquor outlets in the state.
In the app, the customers will be able to locate their nearest outlet, check which brands are in stock, and see the exact price before they order from home, or anywhere else.
A senior Tasmac official said the app will help consumers avoid long queues at Tasmac outlets. “Once an order is placed, the customer will receive a QR code, which can be shown at the retail outlet to collect the liquor.
Since the price will be displayed in the app and payment made online, there will be no need to pay any amount above the MRP,” the official told TNIE, describing it as the first such app introduced in the state. Sources said the app could be named ‘Tasmac Online Shopping’, but it is yet to be finalised.
The launch comes days after Tasmac tightened disciplinary action against its staff who were caught for overcharging. A July 24 circular from managing director K Nandakumar warned employees of suspension, transfer or dismissal for repeat violations.
Officials expect the app’s fixed, visible pricing and digital payments will reduce the number of complaints of overcharging.
Ahead of Thursday’s launch, Nandakumar held a review meeting with district, regional and general managers. The officials were then trained on using POS devices, UPI & card payments, and integrating payment data into the software at district managers’ offices.