KSBC reports Rs 332.62 crore liquor consumption in first four days of Christmas

Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala celebrated Christmas, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC) reported liquor sales of Rs 332.62 crore through its BEVCO outlets during the first four days of the festive season, officials said on Friday.

The KSBC released data on liquor sales for the Christmas–New Year period, which began on December 22. According to the figures, Rs 332.62 crore worth of liquor was sold through KSBC shops and warehouses during the four- day period.

This represents an 18.99 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, when sales stood at Rs 279.54 crore. The highest single-day sale was recorded on December 24, with liquor worth Rs 114.45 crore sold. Sales on December 22 were Rs 77.62 crore, followed by Rs 81.34 crore on December 23 and Rs 59.21 crore on December 25.

KSBC officials noted that the festive season is considered to run from December 22 to 31, and liquor sales are expected to rise further on December 30 and 31 ahead of New Year celebrations.

During this year’s 12-day Onam festival, KSBC had recorded liquor sales of Rs 970.74 crore.

Apart from KSBC, Consumerfed also operates a limited number of liquor outlets in the state, with their sales figures expected to be released later, officials added.