Bevco premium shop on hold

KOZHIKODE: Due to protests from a section of the public, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation Ltd. (BEVCO) has been forced to postpone the opening of the first premium liquor supermarket in the District near Civil Station. But the officials of BEVCO here told DC that the supermarket would be opened in a week’s time, as it was aimed at helping consumers through self- help counters. BEVCO will not open any new outlets going by the policy of the government. But new facilities can be introduced in existing shops if space is available.

However the high-end customers of Kozhikode were excited because the self-help counters would overcome the long lines thereby obviating judging eyes when they bought liquor. These customers often went to bars and bought booze rather than stand in long queues. Also, they would be spoilt for choice in these outlets because premium brands would be stocked. “If the protesters had a problem about opening the BEVCO outlet here, then they should have protested when we announced shifting of the outlet from Pavamani road to here”, said Subair P, the BEVCO Manager.

“The hue and cry over the BEVCO supermarket is meaningless as they did not have a problem when we began the retail outlet here. If one could buy liquor from the retail outlet why not from the supermarket?”, he added. According to Anil Vijayan, member of Madhya Virudha Samithi formed against opening of the supermarket facility, the outlet would create a nuisance for the residents in the locality. “In addition to this, if liquor is made available to the public with ease, then the consumption will increase”, he added.  The supermarket will have rum priced above Rs 500 a bottle, and brandy and whisky with a price tag of Rs 700 and above, Beer will be sold at Rs 100 and above while Wine starts at Rs 600.