Kerala Liquor Sales Soar To Rs 771.29 Crore on Onam 2026 Up From Rs 694.96 Crore Last Year

This year Kerala's Onam celebrations have once again seen a sharp rise in liquor sales, since alcohol worth Rs 771.29 crore was sold in all across state-run outlets during the 8 day period especially on Uthradam, as per figures by Excise Department officials.

The latest liquor sales figure is 10.94% higher than the Rs 694.96 crore recorded during the corresponding period last year due to demand for liquor during Kerala's biggest festive season.

Kerala Onam Liquor Sales Surge Over Last Year

The surge in sales was visible from the beginning of the Onam season. As per the official data between August 18 and August 20, BEVCO outlets recorded liquor sales worth Rs 232.99 crore, compared with Rs 209.89 crore during the same period last year. That represented an increase of Rs 23.1 crore.

Uthradam Liquor Sales Touch Rs 126.31 Crore

Uthradam, the day before Thiruvonam, was one of the busiest days for liquor sales in the state.

Liquor worth Rs 126.31 crore was sold through the state's outlets on Uthradam. However, the single-day figure was lower than the Rs 137.64 crore recorded on the corresponding day last year.

Will Kerala Break Last Year's Onam Liquor Sales Record?

The rise in sales during the first eight days is due to massive festive-season performance. As per BEVCO's official sales data the total BEVCO sales reached Rs 21,130.78 crore in 2025-26 and its contribution to the state exchequer standing at Rs 18,675.71 crore.

The surge in liquor sales in Kerala is raising questions on Kerala's ongoing Operation Toofan which is an anti-narcotics operation.
As per local reports it could be the substitution effect, with people may be shifting from narcotic substances towards legally available alcohol.

BEVCO Records Low Profitability Despite High Sales

Despite its large turnover, Kerala State Beverages Corporation or BEVCO reportedly recorded a Rs 180-crore loss in 2025. The main reason behind this was an increase in the gallonage fee, which reportedly rose from five paise to Rs 10 and majorly increased the corporation's financial burden

Kerala is dependent on liquor-related revenue since according to BEVCO's official data, its contribution to the state exchequer increased from Rs 17,221.15 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 18,675.71 crore in 2025-26.