{
  "id": 2906931,
  "title": "Liquor sales expected to go up during Onam season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/liquor-sales-expected-to-go-up-during-onam-season",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-24T00:33:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/liquor-sales-expected-to-go-up-during-onam-season/article71381047.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During the upcoming Onam festival in Keralam, liquor sales are expected to reach new heights, marking a growing social trend in the state. The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) has been stocking up considerably ahead of the peak celebration, anticipating a sale of ₹970.74 crore, surpassing last year's ₹842.07 crore. Bar owners anticipate normal sales during the festival, but plan to stock up a bit extra for the increased demand. Some anti-liquor activists express concern over the rising alcohol consumption, emphasizing that the issue persists year-round, despite their efforts to curb it. Police and Excise departments have intensified their efforts to combat drug and illicit liquor trafficking, as well as drunk driving. Special Onam drives have commenced since August 1, with a focus on illicit brewing and sales.",
  "summary": "Bevco sold liquor to the tune of ₹970.74 crore during the Onam season in 2025, compared to the ₹842.07 crore the year before",
  "key_points": [
    "Liquor sales anticipated to surge during Onam festival in Kerala",
    "Kerala State Beverages Corporation stocks up for ₹970.74 crore sales",
    "Anti-liquor activists and authorities address rising alcohol consumption"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The expected surge in liquor sales during Onam festival reflects a growing social trend in Kerala, prompting concerns from anti-liquor activists and a proactive response from law enforcement agencies.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}