Consumers can buy liquor at affordable rates in Andhra Pradesh once the new excise policy comes into effect on October 12.
The policy, which the State Cabinet approved on September 18, would enable consumers to buy 180 ml of liquor of any brand for ₹99, reported The Hindu. According to PTI, the decision is likely to help the state government rake in ₹5,500 crore revenue.
The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday notified a new liquour policy to sell spirits like Haryana and others to boost its revenue from alcohol. A notification has been issued for a grant of licenses to 3,736 private shops across the state.
The period of license for selling IMFL (Indian-made foreign liquor) and FL (foreign liquor) will be granted to private persons or entities through a selection process, reported the news agency citing the government notification. The licence for selling IMFL and FL by shops will be valid from October 12, 2024, to September 30, 2026.
Out of the total number of slots to be licensed for the next two years, as many as 340 shops will be allocated to 'Geetha Kulalu' (a toddy tapping community) to empower them and promote equity and social justice.
The shops will be selected through a lottery system, and applicants can apply for multiple shops. The applicants must deposit a non-refundable fee of ₹2 lakh for each shop. The new excise policy is likely to generate a revenue of ₹5,500 crore.
Applicants can also apply for premium store licenses under a special category of the excise policy scheme. As per the order, the state government will issue 12 premium store licenses to provide an enhanced and high-end retail experience in Andhra Pradesh.
These stores will be located across major cities, including Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Kakinada, Guntur, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur or any other city as notified by the state government from time to time.
