Alcohol sales in Kerala are expected to touch Rs 200 Crore during Onam season, which starts from August 26, 2009. Liquor shops in the state are well-stocked to meet the high demand.
According to a report in sifynews, Kerala State Beverages Corp (KSBC), the sole wholesaler of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) and beer in the state, said during last Onam season, liquor sales crossed Rs 160 Crore and it would likely touch Rs 200 Crore this year.
N Sankar Reddy, Managing Director, KSBC, said, “The 10-day festival will start from August 26, 2009. During this year’s Onam period, there are two dry days.” This year Thiru Onam, the most important day during the 10-day festival, falls on September 2, 2009. The first day of the month is dry day in the state. But, Reddy said the corporation has requested the state government to allow liquor sales on September 1, as it is first day of Onam. Meanwhile, KSBC has reported a huge growth in sales in the first four months this fiscal despite the economic downturn.
Reddy said, “Sales of IMFL and beer have gone up to Rs 1746.84 Crore in April-July 2009, |