Liquor sales in Kerala during this year’s Onam season have hit a new high. The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) reported total sales worth Rs 826.38 crore in the ten days leading up to Uthradam (September 4), a report by Mathrubhumi said. This is Rs 49.56 crore more than last year’s figure of Rs 776.82 crore, showing a 6.38% rise.
On Uthradam day alone, sales reached Rs 137 crore, up 9.21% compared to Rs 126.01 crore in 2024. Six outlets in the state crossed Rs 1-crore mark, with Karunagappally outlet leading with sales of Rs 1.46 crore.
It was followed by Kavanad (Rs 1.24 crore), Edappal (Rs 1.11 crore), Chalakkudy (₹1.07 crore), Irinjalakkuda (Rs 1.03 crore), and Kundara (Rs 1 crore). BEVCO’s new super premium outlet in Thrissur also saw strong sales of ₹67 lakh.
Boost to overall liquor sales
The festive season has boosted overall liquor sales this year. From April 1 to September 4, 2025, BEVCO reported Rs 8,962.97 crore in sales, compared to ₹8,267.74 crore during the same period last year. That’s an increase of ₹698.23 crore, or 8.45%.
Alcohol stays out of GST net
While the GST Council recently decided to move cigarettes, pan masala, and other so-called “sin goods” into the new 40% tax slab under its GST 2.0 reforms, alcohol will still remain outside this new system.
Excise duty on alcohol is one of the biggest sources of income for State governments. In many States, liquor sales bring in 15–25% of their tax revenues, money that is used to fund welfare schemes and development projects. Experts say including alcohol in GST would take away this steady income and reduce the States’ financial independence.
Since the launch of GST in 2017, the Council has repeatedly sidestepped the question of including liquor, knowing that States are strongly opposed to giving up control over such an important revenue stream.