There is good news for those who consume alcohol in India. Home delivery of alcohol could soon be available in many states across the country. According to a report, states including Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Kerala, and Delhi are considering starting online home delivery of alcohol through platforms such as Swiggy, BigBasket, Zomato, and Blinkit. Currently, the plan is to launch this service as a pilot project.
Initial Phase: Low Alcohol Products
The Economic Times report indicates that in the initial phase, the home delivery service will focus on products with a low alcohol percentage, such as beer, wine, and light liquors. This move is aimed at gradually introducing the service while assessing its impact.
Evaluating Pros and Cons
Officials are currently evaluating the potential advantages and disadvantages of this initiative. The idea behind the move is to adapt to the changing consumption habits of people, especially in metropolitan areas. An official quoted in the report mentioned, “This move is being considered in view of the changing eating habits of people, especially in big cities. A large population of consumers consume these medium quantity alcohol products as a recreational drink with food. It will also meet the needs of women and senior citizens, who do not like to shop from traditional liquor stores due to the poor shop-front experience.”
Successful Trials During COVID-19 Lockdown
During the COVID-19 lockdown, the home delivery of liquor was temporarily allowed with restrictions in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Assam. Despite the temporary nature of these measures, the initiative proved successful in these states. Retail industry officials noted that online delivery led to a 20 to 30 percent increase in sales in West Bengal and Odisha during that period.
Current Status
As of now, home delivery of alcohol is permitted only in Odisha and West Bengal. The success observed in these states has encouraged other states to explore similar options. If implemented, this service could significantly transform the retail landscape for alcoholic beverages in India, making it more accessible and convenient for a wider audience.
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