Thiruvananthapuram: In a major relief to customers and staff, the Kerala State Beverages Corporation has rolled back its digital-only payment policy at premium liquor outlets, allowing cash transactions to resume from today.
The earlier directive, issued by Managing Director Harshita Attaluri, had mandated that from March 15, all self-help premium counters across Kerala operate strictly on cashless payments, including credit cards, debit cards, and UPI.
The move was intended to modernize transactions by reducing queues, speeding up billing, and ensuring better transparency. Special notices were also displayed at outlets in multiple languages to inform customers about the transition.
However, the decision soon drew criticism, with concerns that a fully digital system could create practical difficulties and lead to disputes between customers and employees.
Responding to these concerns, BEVCO has now withdrawn the order, restoring the option of cash payments alongside digital modes.
The decision is expected to ease tensions at outlets and offer greater flexibility to customers, striking a balance between convenience and technological adoption.
