It is learnt that Goa is one of the states contemplating a pilot project to allow home delivery of alcoholic drinks via online food delivery platforms starting with drinks with low alcohol content. Other states include New Delhi, Karnataka and Haryana. Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Currently Odisha and West Bengal allow home delivery of alcohol. Obviously there are pros and cons in online availability of alcoholic drinks. For many who perceive consuming alcohol as recreational drink with meals and for senior citizens, who detest buying their bottle that cheers from traditional liquor vendors, this will be a welcome step. Home delivery of alcoholic drinks will reduce incidents of drunken driving which has resulted in several road accidents, many of them fatal since drinks will be consumed at home. One will also probably consume less drinks at home than at a bar or a club. The move could earn more revenue for the Goa government through the excise department. However on the flip side there could be an increase in the number of alcoholics in the state. It may not be possible to keep a tag on the underage youth ordering booze online.
