Archive · 10 Aug 2025
Kerala Corporation Pushes for Online Liquor Sales Despite Hurdles
Kerala's liquor corporation, BEVCO, wants to sell alcohol online and deliver it to people's homes.
They hope this will bring in more money and make things easier for customers by reducing long lines at liquor stores.
Delivery platform Swiggy has offered to help.
To do this, the state needs to change some laws.
Although the state government has resisted in the past, BEVCO is hopeful.
BEVCO already makes a lot of money from liquor sales.
They will require buyers to be aged 23 or older.
There are legal obstacles to this, as well as some government opposition.
BEVCO proposed online liquor home delivery, facing government opposition.
The proposal aims to boost revenue and reduce overcrowding at retail outlets.
Swiggy offered to handle deliveries; age verification (23+) would be mandatory.
Legal challenges exist; amendments to the Abkari Act and new rules are needed.
Kerala previously had temporary online sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Who
- Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO)
- What
- Proposal for online liquor home delivery.
- When
- The proposal is currently under consideration.
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To increase revenue and reduce overcrowding.
Proponents
Opponents
Impact on Consumption
Proponents
Boost sales revenue, especially for premium brands.
Opponents
Potential for increased alcohol consumption and alcoholism.
Implementation
Proponents
Reduce overcrowding at physical stores.
Opponents
Requires amendments to the Abkari Act and new rules.
Financial Impact
Proponents
Boost government coffers.
Opponents
None explicitly stated.
- Proposing Body
- Kerala State Beverages (Marketing & Manufacturing) Corporation Limited (BEVCO)
- Objective
- Increase revenue and reduce overcrowding at retail outlets
- Delivery Partner
- Swiggy (Proposed)
- Target Age
- 23 and above
- BEVCO Outlets in Kerala
- 283 retail outlets
- BEVCO Revenue (2024-25)
- Rs 19,700 crore