Low-alcohol drinks such as beer, wine, and liqueurs may soon be delivered by online delivery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and BigBasket, according to a report from The Economic Times.
According to the report, states like New Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala are considering starting pilot projects for this initiative.
They disclosed that the authorities are assessing the benefits and drawbacks of permitting alcohol delivery.
"Online models ensure end-to-end transaction records, age verification and adhere to limits. Further, online tech stacks synchronise with regulatory and excise requirements, ensuring adherence to timings, dry days and zonal delivery guardrails," Dinker Vashisht, vice-president, corporate affairs at Swiggy as per the report.
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Swiggy and Zomato expanded their services by offering online alcohol delivery in non-metropolitan areas, as their primary business was greatly affected.
Swiggy started delivering alcohol in Ranchi after receiving the required permissions from the Jharkhand government. Zomato did likewise, beginning operations in Ranchi and aiming to spread to seven additional Jharkhand cities.
Rahul Singh, chief executive of pub chain The Beer Cafe, told the Economic Times, “By enabling online home deliveries of liquor, states can enhance consumer convenience, drive economic growth, and align with global trends while ensuring responsible and regulated alcohol distribution.”
If these pilot projects prove successful, more states in India—including Tamil Nadu, Goa, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Haryana, New Delhi, and Karnataka—may decide to adopt and execute them.
