Big change at Bevco: No cash, only UPI or card payments from Feb 15 at premium liquor outlets

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Beverages (M&M) Corporation Limited (BEVCO) has announced that all transactions at its premium outlets will go fully digital from February 15, ending cash payments entirely.

According to an official order issued by Bevco Managing Director Harshita Attaluri IPS, customers will now be able to make payments only through UPI and cards. The move aims to reduce crowding, speed up billing, and improve transparency in sales.

However, the decision has triggered opposition from employee unions, who argue that a large share of Bevco’s revenue still comes from cash transactions.

Staff have also raised concerns about technical glitches, network issues, and customers who may not be familiar with digital payment systems, especially in high-footfall outlets.

Unions warn the shift could disrupt sales and inconvenience regular customers.

The policy will apply only to premium outlets for now, with the government monitoring its impact before considering wider implementation.