CUTTACK: As their spirits soared literally high in view of Christmas and New Year celebrations, sales of liquor touched all time high in the State. Liquor worth nearly Rs 7 crores had been consumed all over the State in the last seven days, said a top excise official here adding maximum consumption was reported in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

Two depots each in the twin cities sold liquor worth over Rs 1 crores during this week, sources said. Against an average monthly sale of around Rs 35 crores, the sale proceeds this December might cross Rs 50 crores, the official added.

State excise deputy commissioner office sources here informed that nearly 13,000 cartons of IMFL and 11,000 cartons of beer have been sold from the Cuttack depots during the past five days ending on Sunday and registering a growth of Rs 35 lakhs against the corresponding figure last year. Orissa State Beverages Corporation officials said the corporation was prepared to meet the increase in demand during this period. "After the lean period of monsoon, liquor consumption increases during winter and reach a climax during New Year celebrations," said a marketing staff of the corporation.

Besides liquor, people also consumed tonnes of mutton, chicken, fish feasting among family members, friends and relatives. Mutton that was selling at Rs 150 per kg the other day was sold at a premium on Sunday. So also the prices of other non-vegetarian stuffs increased.

Night-long revelry

Clubs, hotels and cultural associations have made elaborate arrangements for the night-long revelry. The Barabati Club, Cuttack Club Limited, Barabati Palace and several hotels witnessed heavy gatherings during the past week .

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