Tasmac Implements New Bottle Return System Across Tamil Nadu
Following the recent Assembly election, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) has announced a significant overhaul of its empty liquor bottle return policy. Starting after shops re-open post the three-day election closure from April 21 to 23, customers will now be able to return empty bottles at any Tasmac outlet within their district, receiving a ₹10 refund per bottle. This marks a departure from the previous system, where returns were restricted to the specific shop of purchase.
QR Code Technology to Streamline Operations
To facilitate this change, Tasmac has mandated distilleries to print labels with QR codes directly on liquor bottles. These codes will be scanned at the point of sale and again during the collection of empty bottles, ensuring a seamless and automated tracking process. The move is part of a broader end-to-end computerization initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in Tasmac's operations.
Currently, the ₹10 refund label is manually pasted at each shop with the shop number, leading to limitations and inefficiencies. The new QR code system is designed to eliminate these issues by allowing for easy verification and processing across different locations within a district.
Addressing Worker Concerns and Industry Adoption
In response to complaints from workers unions about being overburdened by manual tasks, Tasmac has instructed distilleries and breweries to generate separate QR codes specifically for the empty bottle scheme. This is in addition to the existing QR code system already in place. According to sources, at least three major distilleries—Southern Agrifurane Industries Pvt Ltd (SAFIL), Kals, and Empee—have already begun dispatching liquor bottles equipped with two QR codes. Other companies are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks, ensuring widespread implementation of the new system.
The initiative not only aims to reduce the workload on shop employees but also promotes environmental responsibility by encouraging bottle returns. By simplifying the return process, Tasmac hopes to increase participation rates among customers, thereby supporting waste management efforts in the state.
This development comes as Tasmac shops prepare to resume operations after the mandatory closure during the election period. The new system is poised to set a precedent for other states looking to modernize their liquor retail operations through technology-driven solutions.
