The one trade that has not been affected at all despite the world economic meltdown is the liquor sales in Tamil Nadu. In fact the sales are going up by the day, lifting the 'spirits' of the merry tipplers.

Tamil Nadu consumed over four lakh cases of liquor (including one lakh ninety thousand cases of beer) on two days. Yes, during the two days - on the eve of and on the Deepavali day, the Tasmac - the sole agency that sells IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) did a record sales. Its outlets in the State clocked over two hundred crore rupees worth sales. On the New Year eve, i.e. on December 31 2007, the total sales were only worth Rs. 35 Crores. This Deepavali, Coimbatore alone marketed Rs 23 crore worth of liquor!

There was a virtual stampede in front of the 6700 Tasmac outlets right from Sunday morning.

It is normal that during festival days like Pongal, New Year and Deepavali, the sales would be twice of what is on ordinary days. But this year, more bottles have been opened and all records broken. If they had not drunk for just two days, the Sri Lankan Tamil welfare fund might have swelled by another 200 crores. But, who cares?

Now Deepavali means sweets, feast, crackers, new clothes and liquor. The welfare Government that we have has set targets district-wise for the sales of liquor. The more we drink the more revenue for the State.

Liquor guzzlers need have nothing to worry, especially after they consume it. They would do well to remember that 'man drinks drink, drink drinks drink, and drink drinks man.'