Bevco and Consumerfed to open new outlets

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bevco will soon reopen 69 foreign liquor retail outlets closed as part of the UDF government's liquor policy. Proceedings will begin as soon as a government order is received as part of the new liquor policy. Bevco has suggested to the government the opening of 175 retail outlets to ease congestion at outlets. But it is not clear whether so many shops will be allowed. Getting land and building to start new outlets is difficult.

Under the liquor policy of the Oommen Chandy government, a decision was taken to close 10 per cent of retail outlets every year. As a result, 69 outlets were closed. There are currently 270 shops operating.

Consumerfed outlets will also increase

Consumerfed is also preparing to launch more outlets. During the UDF government, 12 Consumerfed retail outlets were closed. They now have 36 foreign liquor retail outlets and three beer and wine parlors.

Vishu- Easter sales

Although the bars were on holiday on Vishu (Good Friday) the day before that saw huge sales at outlets. Bevco had sales of Rs 85.14 crore. (Last year it was Rs 82.29 crore). Consumerfed's sales were 14 crore (nine crore last year). Bevco's sales on Saturday, the day before Easter, were Rs 81.88 crore. The Consumer Fed received Rs 11.24 crore.