Chennai, Nov 3, 2026 — Tamil Nadu's state-run liquor retailer TASMAC has suspended 245 shop supervisors and issued show-cause notices to 1,729 employees as the majority of its retail outlets remained shut for a second consecutive day during a staff strike. The widespread industrial action was triggered by employee opposition to a newly introduced environmental and social welfare cess, which adds an extra Rs 10 to the cost of liquor bottles under a government buyback scheme.
A senior official with the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation stated that the disciplinary measures span multiple regions throughout the state, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, and Tiruchirappalli. The disruptions and subsequent actions highlight a sharp confrontation between the state-run administration and unionized employees over the newly implemented retail pricing structure.
In the Chennai region alone, authorities recorded 169 suspensions alongside 341 show-cause notices. Breakdown figures revealed 61 suspensions in Thiruvallur East, 50 in Chennai Central, and 58 in Chennai North. Meanwhile, the Salem region saw 459 notices distributed, consisting of 155 in Salem proper, 153 in Namakkal, and 75 suspensions handed down specifically within the Krishnagiri district.
Further south, the Tiruchirappalli region registered 418 notices, with 185 issued in Tiruchirappalli district and 175 in Pudukkottai district. The Madurai region recorded the highest volume of notices at 475, which included 247 in Tirunelveli district, 120 in Madurai North, and 101 in Theni district. Overall administration records indicate that 931 notices were issued on November 1 followed by an additional 798 notices on November 2.
The TASMAC administration defended the crackdown by stating that the unauthorized shutdown of retail shops severely impacted public services. Management warned that disciplinary proceedings will persist against any workers identified as responsible for keeping outlets closed as the labor dispute continues.