THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To solve the acute financial crisis, Supplyco has expressed readiness to sell alcohol. CMD Sreeram Venkitaraman approached the Food Department to seek permission from the government in this regard.

The management is of the opinion that the financial crisis can be solved if they start liquor sales like Consumerfed. The Food Department, that is in support of this, will soon hold a discussion with the Excise Department.

Later it will be considered by the cabinet. SupplyCo is gearing up to open shops as soon as the approval is received. Sales centres including premium counter will be set up. Sales centres will be started at tourism centres and district headquarters. Supplyco also estimates that this will create more job opportunities.

Consumerfed under the Cooperative Department has 46 liquor outlets, including beer and wine outlets.

Supplyco is considering new sources of income after the financial crisis in Supplyco worsened to the point that it could not intervene in the Christmas and New Year market. In the last cabinet meeting, Food Minister GR Anil had informed that the Christmas fair cannot be held in the current situation. However, the Chief Minister said that the Christmas fair should not be stopped and has directed the Finance Department to check the release of funds.