Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BevCo) has introduced virtual queue mobile app BevQ to book an online slot (an e token) from the nearest outlets, will be able to buy beverage, to ensure social distancing at BevCo outlets and other liquor shops.
BevQ App Crashed: Kerala Government Put Down Liquor Sale via App; no Decision to Opt Out
KOCHI: Kerala has resumed its liquor sale after two months of 'dry days' on Thursday. Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BevCo) has introduced virtual queue mobile app BevQ to book an online slot (an e token) from the nearest outlets, will be able to buy beverage, to ensure social distancing at BevCo outlets and other liquor shops.
After the announcement on reopening of beverage outlets by excise minister TP Ramakrishnan on Wednesday, the BevQ app was uploaded to the Google Play Store and was downloaded over 1.8 lakh people. Due to some technical glitches, buyers' app provided to the liquor shops to verify the e-token were not functioning in many places, this had a negative impact on liquor sale in bars, BevCo, consumer-fed outlets. Due to this technical flaw, those who received the token earlier had to wait for hours at the outlet.
People who gathered in front of the shops had violated the Covid-19 protocol, it was also difficult for the police to control the crowd. In some places, people who have not taken an online pass have created more difficulties.
Representatives of the Kochi-based Faircode Technologies Private Limited, startup firm which developed the BevQ app said that the app will start service again soon after resolving the technical issues.
All posts by the FairCode company since May 16 have been removed from the Facebook page, until yesterday, posts had been available on the Facebook page.
Meanwhile, there have been reports in the media that Faircode Technologies owners have left the office after the Bev Queue crashes. There were also reports that the office was locked from the inside. However, Faircode Technologies officials said the journalists were in the office when they went out for breakfast.
With the failure of the e-token system, the number of people seeking bars and beverage outlets has increased, liquor is being distributed without token in many places and no one cares about social distancing. Legal action has been initiated against bars that sold liquor without a token.
