VIJAYAWADA: The sale of beer, the most-sought-after drink of tipplers during summer, has witnessed a slight decline so far this year. Of course, excise officials say it is likely to grow in the remaining weeks of April and May.

According to prohibition and excise superintendent M. Rajen Babu, beer sales have not been encouraging this year so far compared to last year. "Last March, we sold as many as 3,80,160 cases of beer, both lager and strong varieties, in Vijayawada excise district comprising 11 circles. By March-end this year, we were short of this figure by 8,212 cases. But beer sales usually reach their peak in May when mercury shoots up beyond 40 degree Celsius," he explains.

Interestingly, the sale of liquor is gradually increasing even after the onset of summer. "The combined sale of liquor of all varieties, such as whisky, rum, brandy, gin and wine, recorded 10,15, 415 cases by March 2006. This figure, compared to March last, is higher by 50, 625 cases," he says.

Attractive schemes

Attractive schemes by breweries during the lean months has triggered increased purchases by wholesalers. "This is the reason why we witnessed a sharp increase in beer sales in February, which is considered a lean month," says P. Krishna Murthy, depot manager of Andhra Pradesh Beverages Corporation Limited. Mr. Murthy says there is no dearth of the supply of beer as the corporation gets sufficient supply from breweries in Srikakulam, Ramachandrapuram, Chittoor and Hyderabad.

M. Malleswara Rao, a wholesaler from Vissanapeta, says many habitual drinkers prefer other liquors even during summer as beer does not gives them the necessary kick.

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