THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the state government shying away from the proposal for online liquor delivery, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) is preparing to launch a pre-booking facility.
Customers will be able to book liquor at retail outlets through a mobile application.
“At present, customers have to wait in line for billing and delivery at outlets. The app will allow them to book products, which can then be collected from outlets,” said Harshita Attaluri, chairman and managing director of Bevco.
The corporation plans to launch the app sometime after Onam. The app, which is under development, was originally meant to facilitate online sales.
“With government sanction, the same app can be used to make bookings for online delivery. Only those above the legal age of 23 will be able to make bookings,” she said.
Immediately after news of Bevco’s proposal for online liquor delivery emerged, Excise Minister M B Rajesh said the government will not approve it. On Monday, he reiterated it.
“The government has no plan for online liquor delivery. The government’s stand on this is to be stated by the excise minister, not officers. Government acts as per the liquor policy approved by the government. That policy does not provide for this,” he said.
The corporation had recently submitted proposals to make liquor purchase more customer-friendly and increase revenue. As per its estimate, online delivery will help increase sales turnover by at least Rs 5,000 crore.