CHENNAI: The

Tamil Nadu

State Marketing Corporation (

Tasmac

) saw a spike in

liquor

sales during the

Pongal

holidays. Liquor shops across the state had sales to the tune of Rs 610 crore between January 14 and 17. January 16 was a dry day on account of Tiruvalluvar Day.

According to official sources, Wednesday (January 15) had the peak sale with liquor outlets across the state collecting Rs 250 crore. Tamil Nadu has about 5,200 Tasmac shops.

It was followed by Friday (Kaanum Pongal) and Tuesday (Bhogi Day), when sale was of around Rs 175 crore and Rs. 180 crores respectively. It is higher than the usual weekend per day sales (between Rs 90 crores and Rs 100 crore).

Districts in Madurai and Trichy regions have collectively recorded liquor sales to the tune of Rs 250 crore. The share of Chennai region comprising Chennai, Chengalpet, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts was just Rs 105 crore during the period, sources added.