Even as protests by local residents against liquor outlets mount, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) is planning to open more premium outlets across the State.

The protests against retail outlets gained momentum at different places recently when Bevco started relocating many outlets following a Supreme Court ban on the sale of liquor on State and national highways from April 1.

“We are facing difficulty in getting buildings to house the outlets beyond the 500-metre limits,” Bevco managing director H. Venkatesh told The Hindu.

“The protests occur when shops are relocated to new areas. So, one of the solutions is starting more premium outlets alongside the existing retail shop,” he said.

Bevco operates 20 premium outlets, mostly in south and central Kerala. Northern Kerala has fewer premium outlets despite high consumption of liquor.

It has 270 retail outlets while the Kerala State Cooperative Consumer’s Federation (Consumerfed) has 36, including hard liquor and three beer and wine shops.

Premium outlets can be started only in the same building having existing licence. Efforts are on to open more outlets in the Malabar region as local shops are overcrowded. Starting independent and exclusive shops requires a change in liquor policy. Also, amendments to the Kerala Excise Act are required to start premium outlets in malls and shopping complexes, he said.

The shutting down of shops will bring a heavy loss to the exchequer. The protests have come when Bevco is picking up business after demonetisation- induced currency crunch and Sabarimala season.

Vested interests

Vested interests, including an illicit liquor mafia, are also suspected behind some of the protests as many bars function near the outlets, Bevco officials said.

Liquor sales in the State was Rs.11,577 crore during 2015-16.