Thiruvananthapuram: As usual, liquor sales by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) surged during the Onam season this year. BEVCO sold liquor worth Rs 771.29 crore over the eight-day Onam period. During the same period last year, sales stood at Rs 694.96 crore. This marks an increase of Rs 77 crore in sales compared to last year.

On Uthradam day alone, liquor worth Rs 126.31 crore was sold. BEVCO was closed on Thiruvonam.

Liquor sales through Bevco outlets in Kerala witnessed a rise during the first three days of the Onam season this year compared to the corresponding period last year, officials said.

According to data from the Excise Department, liquor worth Rs 279.12 crore was sold through Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) outlets between August 21 and 23 this year, against sales of Rs 250.96 crore during the first three days of the Onam season last year.

Meanwhile, beer sales in Kerala have surged by 29.2% this year, even as the state experiences a deficit monsoon, with nearly 49.15 lakh cases sold between April 1 and August 23, according to data from the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO).

Beer and IMFL together account for the bulk of liquor sales in Kerala. Beer constituted 29.15% of their combined sales last year, but its share has increased to 32.66% this year.