CHENNAI: In a major push to reform the state’s liquor retail network under TASMAC, augment revenues, and address system-wide environmental flaws, the state government on Friday introduced a bill proposing an additional ‘Environmental and Social Welfare Cess’ on the sale of alcoholic liquor.The proceeds generated from the proposed levy will be funneled into a dedicated fund for public welfare initiatives and environmental mitigation.According to the bill’s statement of objects and reasons, the fund will primarily support comprehensive rehabilitation and de-addiction programmes, as well as state-wide campaigns highlighting the ill-effects of alcohol consumption.It will also focus on a revamped container-handling framework, including paper recycling, reuse of containers, and environmentally safe disposal of liquor packaging.
