Liquor sales in Karnataka have surged to an unprecedented level, with the state recording a massive Rs 408.53 crore in sales on Saturday, December 28, just days before the New Year celebrations. B Govindaraju, the chief secretary of the Federation of Wine Merchants Association of Karnataka, attributed the record-breaking figure to the accumulation of liquor sales from the previous day, as a government holiday on December 27 had delayed purchases.
Govindaraju explained that while the state typically sees Rs 100 crore in liquor sales daily, the holiday created a backlog, leading to a spike in demand on December 28. Liquor license holders were able to secure loans worth Rs 150 crore from the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Limited (KSBCL), facilitating the remarkable sales on that day.
A total of 1,027,060 cases were sold, including 622,062 cases of whisky and other spirits, as well as 404,998 cases of beer. Spirits alone contributed Rs 327.50 crore, while beer sales amounted to Rs 80.58 crore. This single-day sale marked a historic milestone for the state’s alcohol market.
With resorts, hotels, and homestays packed in anticipation of New Year’s Eve, the association expects another surge in sales on December 31. This marks the start of a festive period of heightened consumption in the state.
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