THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The liquor sale in Kerala has noticed a slight decrease during Christmas as compared to previous year. Bevco outlets in the state have recorded a sale of Rs 52.3 crore. Last year it was Rs 54.82 crore. On 24th, liquor was sold for Rs 89.52 crore. While it was Rs 90.03 crore the previous year. This was the first festival season after the price hike. It is assumed that the sale decreased due to this. The sale and use of drugs including MDMA is now widespread in the state.

But while looking into the figures of days before Christmas, the sale of liquor has increased. Liquor worth Rs 229.80 crore has been sold during these days. Last year it was Rs 215.49 crores. Rum was the favourite.

Ashramam outlet in Kollam has set the record for selling the highest amount of liquor this time. Rs 68.48 lakh sale was recorded here. In Thiruvananthapuram Power House Road outlet, the sale was for Rs 65.07 lakh, while at the Iringalakuda outlet it was Rs 61.41 lakh.

On the day of the World Cup final, Bevco had record liquor sale worth Rs 50 crore in Kerala. The sale of alcohol on Sundays is usually Rs 30 crore. Tirur outlet in Malappuram district sold liquor worth Rs 45 lakh on the day of the final.