Kerala beverage body pushes for online liquor sale

The Kerala State Beverages (Marketing & Manufacturing) Corporation Ltd. (BEVCO) has proposed introducing home delivery of liquor through online sales in order to increase state revenue and ease congestion at retail outlets.

The plan, now under government review, would require amendments to the Abkari Act and allow only customers aged 23 and above to place orders, with mandatory age verification. Kerala’s limited network of 278 BEVCO-run outlets has long led to overcrowding and long queues, which the proposal seeks to address.

Liquor sales are a key revenue stream for the state, generating over ₹19,000 crore in 2023–24. BEVCO expects home delivery to further boost sales, particularly for premium brands, while offering greater convenience to consumers, including women and the elderly.