Kolkata sees Rs 137 cr in liquor sales, 24% rise during Christmas and New Year festivities

Kolkata’s liquor sales surged to Rs 137 crore from December 24 to December 31, 2024, marking a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The data, compiled by the Excise Department, reflects the total sales across four key administrative districts: Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Alipore, and Bidhannagar, during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Alipore topped the list with Rs 42 crore in liquor sales, nearly doubling its usual daily sales of Rs 3 crore during non-festive months. This was followed by Kolkata North, which recorded Rs 35.5 crore in sales, well above its usual daily average of Rs 3 crore. Kolkata South also reported Rs 35.5 crore in sales, surpassing both its daily average of Rs 2.25 crore and its monthly average of Rs 75 crore.

Bidhannagar reported Rs 28.5 crore in liquor sales, which, although the lowest of the four districts, represented a significant increase from its usual monthly average of Rs 60 crore. The rise in liquor sales across all districts of Kolkata highlighted a noticeable shift in consumption patterns due to the festive period.

West Bengal’s monthly liquor sales average Rs 1,700 crore, with Kolkata accounting for approximately Rs 300 crore of that total. During the last week of December 2024, Kolkata’s liquor sales nearly doubled compared to non-festive periods, further emphasizing the impact of the festive season on alcohol consumption. Liquor sales in the city saw a substantial uptick, driven by increased demand during key celebrations, contributing to the overall rise in sales across the region.