Govt likely to consider home delivery of expensive liquor; tourism dept proposes scrapping 'dry day'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government may consider delivering expensive premium brand liquor to homes through online booking. The suggestion was made in the meeting of the chiefs of officers held under the chairmanship of Minister MB Rajesh the other day. Documents, including Aadhaar, may be made mandatory for online bookings to prevent misuse of the new arrangement. The tourism department and some top officials have also proposed to scrap the 'dry day' on the 1st of every month.

The final decision will be taken after a draft is prepared and discussed in the CPM and the Left Front regarding the delivery of alcohol to homes. Necessary changes should be made in the Abkari Act for implementation. Home delivery of premium brand liquor has been implemented in states such as Odisha and West Bengal. Meanwhile, the move is likely to face huge opposition in Kerala. Although Consumerfed had considered home delivery of liquor during the COVID period, the plan was abandoned due to opposition.

The minister has called a meeting of bar owners, liquor distribution company representatives and officials on June 13. The final decision on avoiding dry days will be made after discussion on the Left front. Bar owners are exerting pressure on the government in this regard. The government is concerned that it will face strong political opposition if it decides to scrap dry days.

Bevco's total turnover is around 50 crores per day on average. If the dry day is scrapped, the government will get an additional 12 days of revenue in a year. The government will announce the new liquor policy after the end of the moral code of conduct.

Benefits of Home Delivery
1. Overcrowding at Bevco and Consumerfed retail outlets can be reduced to some extent
2. At least 3000 job opportunities for home delivery
3. An increase in sales of premium brands will increase government revenue

Liquor sales revenue (including beer, amount in crores)

2022-23...................................18,530.97
2023-24...................................19,088.33
Increase........................................557.36