THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite the severe shortage of cheaper brand liquor in Bevco's liquor retail outlets, the quota for bars have been increased. Beverages Corporation has given instructions regarding this to warehouse managers.

Earlier, 70 per cent of Bevco shops and 30 per cent of bars were offering cheaper brand liquor. From now on, it will be 50 per cent each. So common people have to depend on expensive top brands.

Manufacturers have cut back the supply of cheaper brand liquor because the government has not implemented their demand to increase prices. As a result, there was shortage of cheap brand liquor. Even the lowest brand in the premium category costs above Rs 900 per litre.

Bevco has increased the number of premium brand cases shipped to retail outlets. When a load of liquor (600 cases) was shipped to the shop, it was estimated that 10 percent were premium brands. Now it is 20 per cent. The allegation is that it is to help premium brands. Beer is also available in excess at most bevco shops.