The state government said that the vending machines would be operated by salespeople
Chennai:
Buying liquor in Tamil Nadu has gone hi-tech. State-of-the-art automated liquor vending machines have been installed at four government-owned shops inside malls in Chennai. Payment can be made online or in cash.
The opposition, however, said that the vending machines would make it easier for minor students to buy liquor.
“How will these vending machines validate age as liquor is for people above 18 years? They can even sell beer in pushcarts during summer. It is not good for the state to look for new ways to sell liquor to increase revenue, not good.” For the people,” AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan told NDTV.
The state government said the vending machines would be manned by salespeople to prevent use by minors. The system will also prevent overcharging by salespeople, which is a major complaint in the state.
“The shop opens at 12 noon. The machine can be used only in the presence of the salesperson there. It is set up like this. Tell me which state does not have such an automatic vending machine?” Prohibition and Excise Minister Senthil Balaji said.
When NDTV VR visited a liquor store in the palace, the vending machine was close to the entrance and out of direct sight of the salespeople inside. This will increase the likelihood of minors making quick purchases from vending machines and making online payments when salespeople are busy.
Last year, the Tamil Nadu government earned Rs 44,000 crore from the sale of liquor.
The ruling DMK government had promised a phased prohibition. It said that 96 liquor shops have been closed and 500 more are likely to be closed soon.
Successive state governments in Tamil Nadu have protected and expanded the sale of liquor, arguing that prohibition would pave the way for liquor smuggling.