Liquor via Swiggy and Zomato? Distributers start discussions with seven states including Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Discussions have started regarding the distribution of alcohol through online food delivery companies Zomato and Swiggy. It is reported that the distribution companies have started discussions with seven states including Kerala. This has been reported by the Economic Times. It is reported that apart from Kerala, discussions are in progress with the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi.

Meanwhile, state governments are likely to take a decision on online distribution of liquor only after studying all its aspects. Earlier, many suggestions had come up from various departments regarding the changes to be made while formulating the new liquor policy in Kerala. Even though online sale of alcohol and withdrawal of dry day were such proposals, the government did not take the final decision.

In the case of Kerala, any matter related to liquor policy needs to be discussed within the front. The state government and the CPI(M) will proceed with caution in such a matter only in the face of setbacks, including in the Lok Sabha elections. In states like West Bengal and Odisha, companies already offer home delivery of liquor. There are reports that liquor sales in these states have increased by 20 to 30 percent since online sales started.

Sales of premium brands are higher. Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam have been given temporary permission to sell liquor online during the Covid-19 lockdown. With the end of the lockdown, home delivery facility has also stopped in these states. According to the law, online distribution of liquor is only after collecting all the information of the customers. Measures will also be taken to prevent minors from getting alcohol.