Keralites gulp down liquor worth Rs 152 cr during Christmas

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala reported record liquor sales during Christmas this year.

According to the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO), liquor worth Rs 152.06 crore was sold on December 24 and 25, 24.5 per cent more than the sales during the same period last year.

BEVCO sources said there was no price hike in liquor during the last year. Hence, the increase in sales will result in a corresponding rise in the quantity of liquor sold during the Christmas season.

Of the sale worth Rs. 152.06 crore, liquor worth Rs. 126.04 crore was sold out through the BEVCO retail outlets while, the rest was sold out through the warehouses.

The state will likely see considerable sale of liquor during the New Year celebrations, too. The total tax and duties on liquor in Kerala comes to around 250%. Hence, the increase in liquor sale will bring more revenue to the cash-strapped state exchequer.