Booze At Your Doorstep: Online Platforms Most Likely To Resume COVID Lockdown Delivery Format

New Delhi: Platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy, BigBasket and Zomato may soon deliver liquor starting with low-alcohol drinks such as beer, wine and liqueurs.

States like New Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Kerala are exploring pilot projects regarding the same, an Economic Times report, citing industry executives stated.

Authorities are accessing the pros and cons of the move. At present, home delivery of alcohol is allowed in Odisha and West Bengal. Liquor deliveries were allowed temporarily during Covid-19 lockdowns in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam but with restrictions.

According to the report, retail industry executives said that online deliveries have led to 20 to 30% increase in sales in West Bengal and Odisha.

This is to cater to a growing expat population especially in larger cities, changing profiles of consumers who perceive moderate alcohol-content spirits as recreational drinking, industry experts noted.

Besides, the move will also cater to women and senior citizens who have felt buying from liquor outlets experiences as not so pleasant.