The Andhra government has also announced introduction of a new category of low-priced liquor, costing ₹99 or less, to provide affordable options while maintaining quality standards and curb demand for illicit liquor
The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday issued orders notifying the new liquor policy for the next two years, withdrawing the retail liquor business from the government and entrusting it with private dealers.
The previous YSR Congress party government led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy had taken over the retail liquor sale from the private dealers and operated the business through AP State Beverages Corporation in the last five years. This policy came to an end on September 30.
In the government order, principal secretary (excise) Mukesh Kumar Meena said the new excise policy will come into effect from October 12 and till then, the government would continue to run the retail liquor business.
“The policy will have a tenure of two years, promoting stability and predictability in the regulatory environment, which is likely to encourage greater participation from retailers,” Meena said in the order.
Under the new policy, the state government has fixed the total number of shops for the licensing period 2024-26 at 3,736, of which 3,396 shops will be in the open category, while 340 shops have been reserved for the toddy tapper community.
“A separate notification and guidelines will be issued for disposal of the 340 shops earmarked for the toddy tapper community and premium stores,” Meena said.
Starting Tuesday, the government invited applications from private parties for operating 3,736 retail wine shops by paying a non-refundable application fee of ₹2 lakh each. The applications can be submitted through online or off-line or hybrid models.