The Tamil Nadu government issued a new order on Wednesday which states that liquor prices in the state will be hiked by 15% to a maximum of Rs. 20 per 180 ml bottle. The decision to hike the prices of alcohol has come a day after the TN govt had announced that liquor shops will be reopening across the state on May 7 excluding Chennai city due to the sharp rise in the number of positive coronavirus cases. The newly-announced hike, which incidentally is the second revision in the past four months, is said to bring in the state government a revenue of Rs. 2,500 crore by the end of the ongoing financial year.

The statement issued by the TN government elaborated the excise rates on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) saying the 15% hike will be in tune to a Rs. 20 increase for a 180 ml liquor bottle of a premium brand while the IMFL price of Rs. 10 per 18 0ml bottle will be applicable on normal alcohol varieties. As a result, drinkers will now have to spend an extra amount of up to Rs. 40 to Rs. 80 to buy a full liquor bottle (750 ml). Reports state the Tamil Nadu government is facing a tough time as the state-run TASMAC outlets shut down since the coronavirus lockdown on March 25 has led to losses of as much as Rs. 90 crore on a daily basis and in total of up to Rs 3,600 crore.