As the Kerala Assembly elections campaign nears its end, the state is gearing up for an unusual calm in terms of liquor sales. With the election scheduled for Thursday to choose 140 new legislators, a strict 48-hour dry period has been imposed, halting liquor sales across Kerala. This dry spell will be in effect from 6 p.m. on Tuesday until 6 p.m. on April 9, leading to the closure of beverage outlets, bars, beer parlours, and Bevco shops.
Kerala, known for its affinity towards alcohol, will witness a pause in one of its most entrenched habits due to the Election Commission’s directive. The aim is to ensure a peaceful voting process by averting any potential disturbances or law enforcement issues. Despite being a common practice during elections, this move is significant in a state where alcohol consumption is prevalent.
The state of Kerala, with a population of 3.34 crore, sees around 32.9 lakh individuals consuming alcohol, including approximately 29.8 lakh men and 3.1 lakh women. On a typical day, nearly five lakh people partake in alcohol consumption, making the sudden cessation of sales quite conspicuous. Kerala also boasts one of the highest per capita alcohol consumption rates in India, standing at about 8.3 litres annually.
The preference for rum and brandy is evident in Kerala, constituting about 94% of sales through the state-managed network. The backbone of this system is the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco), operating 277 retail outlets along with 39 Consumerfed-run outlets. However, all these outlets will remain closed for the next two days.
Authorities have strictly prohibited the sale of alcohol in hotels, shops, or public areas during this period, warning of severe legal consequences and fines for violations. Enhanced surveillance in polling regions aims to ensure compliance with the dry period. While these dry days may test the patience of many, the administration views it as a necessary step for maintaining order.
