Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The Kerala State Beverages (Manufacturing & Marketing) Corporation Ltd (BEVCO) is set to open 253 new liquor outlets across the state, approved two years ago, after overcoming challenges in securing rental buildings. The corporation's move to lease buildings through an online system, eliminating middlemen, has proven successful.

Around 500 building owners expressed willingness to rent out their properties, of which eight outlets have already started operations. Excise clearance for seven more is in the final stage, while primary inspections have been completed for 25 buildings. The process of finalizing rental agreements is underway.

Among the new outlets are 78 liquor stores that were shut down during the previous UDF government. Additionally, 175 outlets announced by the Left government to ease crowding at existing liquor stores will also be opened. Previous attempts to lease buildings failed due to local opposition and rental pricing issues, exacerbated by middlemen inflating rental costs. The introduction of the online system two months ago helped resolve these challenges.

Super Premium Outlets

Meanwhile, BEVCO will soon open super premium liquor outlets, offering better facilities than existing premium outlets. The first outlet is set to open in Vattiyoorkavu, Kozhikode, and Thrissur. Contracts have been awarded for interior arrangements, and liquor companies will be charged a fixed display fee. 

Facilities such as vehicle parking will also be available. Meanwhile, from April onwards, liquor bottles will be mandatorily equipped with QR codes to curb counterfeiting. The system was successfully tested at the state-run The Travancore Sugars and Chemicals Ltd. and is now being extended to private distilleries.