Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Beverage Corporation (Bevco) plans to launch the mobile application interface for the newly launched online booking facilities at its outlet has experienced rough weather after Google’s refusal to receive the same on the Google Play Store to download.
According to the top sources in the government managed by the government, negotiations on the authority of Google to explore the possibility of convincing them on the nature of the monopolistic role played by Bevco in stocking and retail sales of alien alcoholic beverages in the state.
“Google authorities say that their policy does not allow corporate drinks to register cellular applications to order liquor to payments through cellular applications.
We hope that Google will finally receive our request.
But we are not in a position to officially comment on the current process,” Bevco source said.
Bevco, who discarded the Bevq cellular application for queue management at drink outlets during the first wave Covid-19, introduced online bookings and payment facilities earlier this month.
“There is no heavy rush on a web-based online platform, using which consumers can order drinks at certain outlets in six districts.
They can pay money online and collect bottles from outlets by producing proof of payment.
We hope this will pick up and Meet consumer needs even if cellular applications don’t come, “said a senior Bevco official.
BVQ is accepted on the Google Play Store because only the Queue Management application, which does not have a direct connection to the selection of liquor or payment, he added.
Bevco plans to expand the booking and online payment facilities today to more districts and stores.
Suggestions for delivery of liquor houses during pandemic restrictions were rejected by the state government.
The amendment in the state excise policy is a prerequisite for introducing delivery of liquor houses.
“At present, there are no legal obstacles on the excise side as far as reservations of liquor through the cellular application in question.
But home delivery is not permitted according to the existing rules.
We are not sure what prevents Bevco from listing cellular applications for ordering and payment purposes,” said Excise Commissioner S Ananthakrishnan IPS.