Liquor outlets in hypermarkets an instant hit!

Despite an outcry from women’s organisations in the state against the sale of liquor in malls and supermarkets, the liquor outlets in Spencer’s and Metro hypermarkets are doing a good business.

The two hypermarkets, which earmarked adequate space on their premises for the specially set up liquor outlets, are selling premium brands of whisky and brandy. A variety of wine brands are also available.

Generally, liquor shops do not sell premium brands due to lack of demand. Stocking of premium liquor also needs additional investment. However, this is not the case at these outlets. The initiative taken by the State Government as part of the new excise policy to augment its revenue seems to have worked.

Speaking to The Hans India, Deputy Excise Commissioner of Krishna district, YB Bhaskar Rao said, “The two hypermarkets approached us seeking permission to sell liquor. After ensuring that they fulfilled all the necessary criteria, we sanctioned liquor permits for the hypermarkets. The sale of liquor has helped the two hypermarkets increase their business.’’

At the time of announcing the new policy, Excise Minister, Kollu Ravindra maintained that the new initiative would help promote the sale of quality liquor and premium brands could be sold through hypermarkets. At a recent review meeting on the new excise policy, Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, said the MRP violations by liquor shops were curbed in the state.

“The setting up of government retail outlets would help check adulteration of liquor and its sale in loose. The retail liquor outlets of the government would be run as model ones,” he said. Sale of liquor in supermarkets is quite normal in developed nations. The adoption of the practice in Andhra Pradesh was welcomed by liquor connoisseurs.

On condition of anonymity, the manager of a liquor outlet said, “There is a good response from consumers to our new initiative. The outlet has become an instant hit among liquor connoisseurs who prefer premium brands. Many customers, who come to our hypermarket to buy their monthly groceries, are making purchases at the liquor outlet for their home bar.’’

By Ch Sowmya Sruthi