Amazon, Big Basket Allowed To Deliver Alcohol In This State; Swiggy, Zomato Already Delivering Alcohol

The US e-commerce giant, Amazon got a nod from the West Bengal government to deliver alcohol in the state, according to a document seen by Reuters. 

In a notice on June 19, West Bengal State Beverages Corp, the authorised agency to carry out online retail of liquor trade in the state, said Amazon was among the companies found to be eligible for registration with authorities.

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Foray Into the Multi-Billion Dollar Industry By Aiming the Most Populous City!

The development signals Amazon’s foray into the multi-billion dollar industry of India. The notice also stated that BigBasket has also secured a clearance in West Bengal.

It should be noted that West Bengal is India’s 4th most populous state. It has a population of more than 9 crore people.

According to estimates by IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, Amazon’s interest in delivering alcohol in West Bengal marks a bold move to make inroads into a market that is worth $27.2 billion (roughly Rs. 205 crores). 

Amazon has been invited to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state, said the notice.

Over the years, Amazon has expanded its e-commerce operations in India as more and more people have resorted to online shopping for everything, from groceries to electronics. The company has committed $6.5 billion (roughly Rs. 46 crores) in investments in India, one of its key growth markets.

Each state sets its own alcohol sales policy. West Bengal last month invited companies to express interest in ‘handling electronic ordering, purchase, sale and home delivery of alcoholic liquors from licensed retail outlets’ to eligible legal-age consumers in the state.

Swiggy And Zomato Delivering Alcohol In Some Indian Cities Since May!

India restricted liquor sales when it announced a nationwide lockdown in March. As soon as the restrictions of the lockdown were eased, hundreds of people queued up at liquor stores. Since then, the liquor industry has been lobbying with many states to allow online deliveries.

With high demand for alcohol as the nation came out of coronavirus resultant lockdown.India’s biggest food-delivery startups, Swiggy and Zomato, started delivering alcohol in some cities last month.