Swiggy, BigBasket, Zomato to launch home delivery services for liquor soon: Report
Swiggy delivery agents
Exciting news for people who enjoy drinking in the comfort of their homes! Food and grocery platforms like Swiggy, Zomato and BigBasket are planning to launch online liquor services in selected states.
As per a report, these platforms may soon start delivering low-alcoholic drinks like beer and wine to your doorstep under a pilot project. In the first phase of the project, states and cities like New Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Kerala will be explored, as per a report in Economic Times.
The authorities concerned are assessing the pros and cons involved in the project. Currently, the home delivery of liquor is allowed in Odisha and West Bengal.
The move is being brainstormed to cater to a growing expat population, especially in larger cities and changing views of consumers who perceive moderate alcohol-content spirits as recreational drinking along with meals, told one industry executive to Economic Times.
It will also be beneficial for women and senior citizens, who have earlier flagged buying from traditional liquor vends and shop-front experiences as unpleasant.
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"Online models ensure end-to-end transaction records, age verification and adhere to limits. Further, online tech stacks synchronise with regulatory and excise requirements, ensuring adherence to timings, dry days and zonal delivery guardrails," said Dinker Vashisht, vice-president, of corporate affairs at Swiggy as per the report.
Similar online liquor deliveries were allowed temporarily during COVID-19 lockdowns in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam with some restrictions. The retail industry executives said that online deliveries have led to a 20-30 per cent increase in sales in West Bengal and Odisha, as per the report.
Rahul Singh, chief executive of pub chain The Beer Cafe, told the Economic Times, “By enabling online home deliveries of liquor, states can enhance consumer convenience, drive economic growth, and align with global trends while ensuring responsible and regulated alcohol distribution.”
(With inputs from agencies)