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Writer's pictureVarun P.Vasudevan

Behind the Bottle: Legalizing Home Delivery of Alcohol in Karnataka



We think it would be cool for the Government of Karnataka to modernize its alcohol distribution policies & legalize online alcohol delivery. This change benefits not only local businesses, and consumers, but the state economy too.


1. Change the way you think, change the way you drink:

India boasts the third-largest market for alcoholic beverages globally. Alcohol consumption has shed its social stigma & is now an integral part of socializing post-work, at weddings, and at various gatherings. Why should alcohol be treated differently from non-alcoholic mixers & tonic waters, which are readily available on quick commerce platforms?


2. Supporting Local Businesses:

Online alcohol delivery provides a level playing field for all companies. In physical wine stores, large multinational brands often dominate the shelves & coolers, while new & local brands are sidelined. An online format eliminates this bias, offering equal visibility & access to consumers, and helps local brands & small businesses compete in terms of visibility.


3. More Freedom to the Consumer:

By breaking down the barriers of the cartelized liquor business, online platforms enable consumers to benefit from a wider selection of products.


4. Enhancing Consumer Convenience:

Online delivery saves time & effort, especially for those with busy schedules or limited mobility. It caters to a growing population of women & senior citizens who find traditional liquor stores unpleasant. By offering convenience & accessibility, online alcohol delivery meets the evolving needs of modern consumers.


5. Everyone is a winner:

Industry reports from West Bengal & Odisha indicate a 20-30% sales increase for premium brands due to online deliveries on Swiggy. More so, in Karnataka, excise duty on alcohol already contributes around 20% to state revenue. An increase in sales through online platforms will undoubtedly enhance state government revenue. Furthermore, it reduces the black market & illegal alcohol sales, ensuring tax revenue from alcohol sales is captured effectively.


6. If you can't beat them, Join them:

Despite legal restrictions, many liquor stores already offer home delivery services informally. Cashiers openly admit to delivering alcohol across Bangalore. Legalizing & regulating this practice would bring it out of the shadows, ensuring it is conducted responsibly & within legal frameworks. In fact, it enhances regulation & control, provides end-to-end transaction records, & ensures adherence to legal limits, delivery timings, dry days, and zonal restrictions.


We, therefore, hashtag#petition the Government of Karnataka to take immediate steps to hashtag#legalize online hashtag#alcohol delivery.


Sign the Petition to get the word out there: https://chng.it/kLCDkL6dQ6

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