Kerala drops liquor home delivery plan

The Kerala government has decided not to move forward with the Kerala State Beverages (Marketing & Manufacturing) Corporation’s (BEVCO) proposal for home delivery of liquor, citing the risk of controversy ahead of upcoming local body and assembly elections.

The plan, submitted by BEVCO Managing Director, aimed to boost revenue through online liquor sales under strict conditions. It included a dedicated mobile app, with major delivery platforms like Swiggy reportedly showing interest. Eligibility was proposed for customers above 23 years, with mandatory proof of age at delivery.

Bar owners opposed the idea, fearing a drop in business. The proposal also suggested introducing low-alcohol beverages for tourists and selling foreign-made beer in the state.

This is the second time such a plan has been rejected, the first being three years ago. BEVCO posted revenues of ₹19,700 crore in 2024-25, up from ₹19,050 crore in the previous fiscal, and operates 26 warehouses and 283 retail outlets.