Hyderabad: As the year draws to a close, Dec typically sees a surge in liquor sales fuelled by the festive season, year-end parties and new year bashes. However, this year, Telangana’s liquor depots are witnessing an unexpected downturn in the sales.
Despite the season’s usual hustle and excitement, sales have dropped significantly leaving a question mark whether changing drinking habits or a deeper shift in consumer behavior is behind the decline. However, excise officials suggest that the recent decrease in sales does not necessarily point to a decline in overall liquor consumption in the state.
With the numbers down by 18% compared to last Dec, this drop raises new concerns about the pattern of alcohol consumption across the state, some experts say.
According to figures obtained by TOI, liquor sales in Dec 2024 (up to the 29th) have fallen compared to Dec 2023. Sales in Dec 2023 totalled Rs 3,824 crore, whereas this year’s sales amount to just Rs 3,120 crore.
When examining sales specifically on Dec 29, the decline becomes more apparent, with a steep 70% drop. On Dec 29, 2023, liquor depots across the state sold Rs 179 crore worth of stock. This year, on the same date, only Rs 51 crore worth of stock was sold.
The official argument is that the reduction in liquor sales may not accurately reflect a decrease in overall consumption. “Sales of liquor tickets for events like new year’s eve have decreased in recent times. This decline is largely due to more people hosting parties at farmhouses or in smaller private settings rather than dining out at restaurants. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in the consumption of non-duty paid liquor. Many individuals are bringing liquor from neighbouring states where it is cheaper,” explained an excise enforcement official.
Doctors also give a critical perspective on alcohol consumption during the festive season, warning against binge drinking. “While there is growing awareness of the harmful effects of excessive drinking, this doesn’t necessarily mean people are moderating their intake. In fact, some who stop drinking alcohol altogether turn to recreational drugs, which is a dangerous trend. It’s important for people to be mindful of the health risks of binge drinking during these events,” said Dr Kavya Dendukuri, consultant hepatologist and liver transplant surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals.
Kavya emphasised the importance of understanding alcohol consumption limits. “Many countries have established guidelines for what constitutes a ‘standard drink’. Unfortunately, India does not have such recommendations. This lack of regulation proves harmful when individuals who don’t typically drink suddenly engage in binge drinking, consuming more than four or five pegs. This can negatively impact their digestive system, especially when paired with heavy food, leading to long-term health issues. Addiction can cause severe organ damage, including liver problems and heart failure,” she cautioned.
Despite the season’s usual hustle and excitement, sales have dropped significantly leaving a question mark whether changing drinking habits or a deeper shift in consumer behavior is behind the decline. However, excise officials suggest that the recent decrease in sales does not necessarily point to a decline in overall liquor consumption in the state.
With the numbers down by 18% compared to last Dec, this drop raises new concerns about the pattern of alcohol consumption across the state, some experts say.
According to figures obtained by TOI, liquor sales in Dec 2024 (up to the 29th) have fallen compared to Dec 2023. Sales in Dec 2023 totalled Rs 3,824 crore, whereas this year’s sales amount to just Rs 3,120 crore.
When examining sales specifically on Dec 29, the decline becomes more apparent, with a steep 70% drop. On Dec 29, 2023, liquor depots across the state sold Rs 179 crore worth of stock. This year, on the same date, only Rs 51 crore worth of stock was sold.
The official argument is that the reduction in liquor sales may not accurately reflect a decrease in overall consumption. “Sales of liquor tickets for events like new year’s eve have decreased in recent times. This decline is largely due to more people hosting parties at farmhouses or in smaller private settings rather than dining out at restaurants. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in the consumption of non-duty paid liquor. Many individuals are bringing liquor from neighbouring states where it is cheaper,” explained an excise enforcement official.
Doctors also give a critical perspective on alcohol consumption during the festive season, warning against binge drinking. “While there is growing awareness of the harmful effects of excessive drinking, this doesn’t necessarily mean people are moderating their intake. In fact, some who stop drinking alcohol altogether turn to recreational drugs, which is a dangerous trend. It’s important for people to be mindful of the health risks of binge drinking during these events,” said Dr Kavya Dendukuri, consultant hepatologist and liver transplant surgeon at Kamineni Hospitals.
Kavya emphasised the importance of understanding alcohol consumption limits. “Many countries have established guidelines for what constitutes a ‘standard drink’. Unfortunately, India does not have such recommendations. This lack of regulation proves harmful when individuals who don’t typically drink suddenly engage in binge drinking, consuming more than four or five pegs. This can negatively impact their digestive system, especially when paired with heavy food, leading to long-term health issues. Addiction can cause severe organ damage, including liver problems and heart failure,” she cautioned.
