Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is unlikely to grant approval to a proposal by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation for home delivery of liquor, amid concerns about political backlash ahead of key elections.

The proposal, submitted by BEVCO Managing Director Harshita Attaluri, aimed to introduce online liquor sales and home delivery under regulated conditions. However, senior government sources indicate that the move has effectively been shelved.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government is reluctant to proceed with the plan, fearing it could trigger public controversy with local body and assembly elections approaching.

Although the plan was designed to increase state revenue, the potential for social and political pushback appears to have outweighed the projected financial gains.

BEVCO’s proposal: Age limit, delivery partners, new products

BEVCO had already developed a dedicated mobile application for the home delivery service and had entered discussions with major delivery platforms, including Swiggy, for potential collaboration.

As per the proposal:

  • Only individuals aged 23 and above would be permitted to place orders.
  • Age verification at the point of delivery would be mandatory.

Plans included introducing low-alcohol beverages targeting tourists and allowing the sale of foreign-made beer within the state.

The proposal faced resistance from bar owners’ associations, who voiced concern that direct-to-home sales would reduce footfall and impact their revenues.

This marks the second time in three years that BEVCO has floated such an initiative. A similar proposal was rejected previously, citing regulatory and logistical challenges.

Introducing home delivery would require amendments to Kerala’s Abkari Act and the Foreign Liquor Rules of 1953, both of which need approval from the state legislature. With the government currently not pursuing any legal changes, the home delivery option appears to be off the table for now.

Liquor sales: A key revenue stream

Despite shelving the plan, BEVCO continues to be a significant contributor to Kerala’s economy. In the 2024–25 financial year, BEVCO reported revenue of Rs 19,700 crore, up from Rs 19,050 crore the previous year.

The state's liquor sales revenue has steadily increased over the past decade, rising from Rs 8,778 crore in 2016–17 to Rs 15,170 crore in 2023–24.

Currently, BEVCO operates:

  • 26 warehouses
  • 283 retail outlets, of which
  • 155 feature premium or self-service counters

With IANS inputs