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Chennai-based start-up HipBar allows tipplers to stock liquor online and drink at leisure at a place of their choice.
HipBar’s mobile app, which was launched a month ago in Bengaluru, enables online purchase by partnering with leading spirit brands, stores and bars. A majority of its revenues come from commission from brands and merchant discount rate for each transaction.
Speaking to BusinessLine , Prasanna Natarajan, founder, HipBar, said the recent Supreme Court banning sale of liquor along National and State Highways has resulted in overcrowding in remaining watering holes.
Natarajan says the larger issue of regulating liquor sales need to be addressed and that is the opportunity the company is looking for.
“Technology could be a solution. We have the necessary digital infrastructure to validate buyers’ credentials, which is a huge problem now. We can work with the government and policy makers in exploring right avenues,” he added.
The company is already in talks with a few government agencies. Natarajan said: “The policy makers are much more forthcoming after the ban. Even many brands are showing interest in partnering with us, as it provides them another avenue to sell their product.”
So far, the company has operations in Bengaluru, where it has tied-up with 60 brands and over 50 restaurants. It plans to enter Chennai in May and tie up with over 30 stores and bars (that are compliant).
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