Hyderabad: Liquor sales in Telangana received a massive boost during the New Year period, with sales crossing ₹750 crore in just two days, officials said.
According to data from the Telangana Excise Department, sales recorded on Tuesday and Wednesday together exceeded ₹750 crore, driven by large-scale New Year celebrations across the state.
December turned out to be a landmark month for liquor sales. The state reported total sales worth ₹5,102 crore during the month, marking the highest-ever December revenue in the history of the excise department.
Liquor sales surge sharply compared to previous Decembers
Officials said sales showed a sharp jump over earlier years. In December 2024, liquor sales stood at ₹3,800 crore. In December 2023, sales were limited to ₹4,297 crore. Compared to last year, the sales rose by over ₹1,300 crore.
Anticipating heavy demand, the excise department ensured smooth stock movement across the state. As a result, the sales continued without supply disruptions during peak days.
The state currently operates 2,620 liquor outlets. Under the new policy, authorities allotted shops in November, and new license holders began liquor sales on December 1.
For new traders, December proved especially rewarding. Local body elections, Christmas celebrations, and New Year festivities coincided during the month, pushing sales higher.
Meanwhile, weddings, tourism events, and year-end programmes during early December further boosted the sales. On December 30 alone, liquor sales touched ₹375 crore. By Wednesday evening on December 31, sales had already crossed ₹350 crore.
The excise department allowed liquor shops to remain open until midnight and bars until 1 am on New Year’s Eve. Therefore, officials expected final liquor sales figures to rise further.
New traders expressed satisfaction as strong first-month liquor sales exceeded expectations, officials added.