CHENNAI: In a move to improve transparency and curb malpractices in liquor sales, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has piloted a new digital billing system integrating UPI payments and barcode-based price tags, similar to those in shopping malls and supermarkets.
Under the new system, when a liquor bottle is scanned, its MRP automatically appears on the Point of Sale (POS) machine. The existing practice — the sales staff manually entering the price — is rife with customer complaints of overcharging.
Sources said the new billing mechanism has been introduced on a pilot basis in two selected outlets in Chennai. Based on feedback and performance of the system, Tasmac plans to expand the initiative to all 4,800 outlets across the state in phases.
A senior Tasmac official told TNIE, “Although the POS system was already in use, staff had to enter the price manually. Now, the new machines automatically capture the MRP through barcode scanning. For this facility, we have tied up with four private banks and purchased new POS devices. We believe this will drastically reduce malpractices and bring more accountability.”
When TNIE visited a Tasmac outlet in Egmore, one of the stores where the initiative has been piloted, staff confirmed that the new POS machine had been installed and was currently in use. However, the salesman at the outlet said, “It is currently possible to generate printed bills only for card payments.” He also admitted that generating bills during peak hours remains a challenge due to heavy customer rush.
While overcharging still remains a concern with customers who pay in cash, Tasmac has issued fresh instructions to salesmen and supervisors. “All employees have been advised to maintain separate ledgers for cash, UPI and card payments. This will make it easier to track and analyse digital transactions. District managers have also been directed to verify the daily accounts and encourage digital payments among staff and customers,” another official said.
The official further added district managers have been authorised to initiate disciplinary action against employees found involved in malpractices or discrepancies in billing.