Tamil Nadu introduces a Bill in the Assembly to levy an “Environmental and Social Welfare Cess” on the sale of liquor, which may make alcohol costlier. The proposed levy is implemented through amendments to the Tamil Nadu Value Added Tax Act, 2006, and is intended to address environmental and social costs linked to alcohol consumption. State officials say discarded glass bottles and plastic liquor containers have become a significant source of waste, with inadequate recycling and disposal contributing to ecological degradation and risks to wildlife and public health.
Across the reports, the proceeds from the cess are described as funding a mix of environmental and welfare measures. These include recycling-focused container handling, reuse of liquor bottles and containers, and environmentally safe disposal. The plans also include rehabilitation and de-addiction programmes for people affected by alcohol addiction, along with public awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of alcohol and the environmental hazards from improper container disposal. Some coverage also mentions using the funds for protection and restoration of forests, wildlife and broader ecology, and for livelihood or welfare support for families impacted by alcohol addiction.
