Kerala: Lockdown aids illicit liquor brewing

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cessation of liquor sales through bar hotels and Bevco outlets adversely impacted the state not only on the revenue front, but also increased health risks due to the manufacture and consumption of illicit liquor, revealed figures.
As many as 1,112 cases of illegal liquor brewing were registered during the recent lockdown period and maximum cases were reported from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam as per government statistics. While Thiruvananthapuram (168) topped the chart, Kollam (148), Alappuzha (116), Palakkad (121) and Kozhikode (111) followed, registering over 100 cases.

Wayanad (nine), Kannur (21) and Kasaragod (25) were the districts where the least number of cases were registered with respect to illicit liquor brewing. This trend was visible during last year’s lockdown as well.
According to the figures of excise department last year, the quantity of wash (which is the base for manufacturing arrack) that was confiscated from various parts of the state since March 24, 2020 (the day lockdown began) till April 6, had steadily increased from 160 litres/day to 6,000 litres/day. The number of Abkari cases also increased from 10/day to 51/day.
Department officers said the main reason behind this is the curtailed movement of vehicles, because of which the ‘traditional’ method of manufacturing liquor is making a comeback.
The department has been relying on the data of the areas that have been traditionally under radar for illicit brewing as well as individuals who were earlier involved in illicit liquor brewing, said officers, adding that this has helped them nab illicit liquor brewers.
Bevco had incurred a loss of Rs 1,700 crore during the lockdown period this year. Liquor sales had begun on a positive note in the current financial year with the government earning approximately Rs 970 crore through sales from April 1 to April 27. However, a decision was taken to shut down Bevco outlets and bars once again from April 27 and it lasted for 51 days before sales resumed once again.
Last financial year, the state earned a robust revenue from liquor sales. It had earned Rs 11,743.99 crore through liquor sales, which is only 5.28% less compared to the immediate year before it. In 2019-20, liquor sales fetched the state exchequer a sum of Rs 12,398 crore.