Kannur: The new scheme to levy an additional charge on liquor sold in plastic bottles has sparked protests not only from consumers but also from employees of the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco).

The scheme, introduced on a trial basis in selected outlets across Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram districts, has led to heated arguments and clashes between customers and sales staff. Following these incidents, Bevco employees unions have also turned against the decision.

The INTUC-affiliated Bevco Employees Association alleged that the government was attempting to increase liquor prices indirectly. The CITU-backed Kerala State Beverages Corporation Staff Association, in a letter to the Managing Director, demanded that the scheme should be implemented only after ensuring adequate infrastructure.

Though it was initially announced that Kudumbashree workers would be engaged for bottle collection, no such arrangement has been made. Instead, workers are being hired on a daily-wage basis in the outlets. They are required to work from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are paid ₹1,130 per day,₹710 as minimum wages and an additional ₹420 as overtime allowance.

Since September 10, 20 outlets in Kannur and Thiruvananthapuram districts have been charging an extra ₹20 for every plastic bottle of liquor sold, irrespective of size. A separate slip for this amount is issued along with the bill, and a sticker with the shop’s name is attached on the bottle. Customers can reclaim the ₹20 if they return the bottle to the same outlet.

Although the initiative is officially aimed at reducing plastic waste, employees say no proper facilities have been set up for its execution. Managing slips, stickers, bottle returns, and refunds has placed a heavy burden on sales staff, often leading to disputes with customers.

Moreover, only a small fraction of bottles are being returned. For instance, at the Payyannur outlet, just 353 bottles were returned on Thursday, out of nearly 5,000 sold daily. Similar patterns have been reported at other outlets, raising concerns about storage and handling of returned bottles.

Outlet managers in Kannur have urged that the scheme be suspended, at least temporarily. In messages shared on the Bevco Managing Director’s WhatsApp group, they cited rising tensions with customers, the nuisance of public drinking near shops, and instances of women employees facing harassment.