The government of Andhra Pradesh issued a notification last night regarding the new rules for its liquor policy. This new policy will reverse the previous policy implemented by the YCP government.
The new policy will allow all top liquor brands to enter the state and grant liquor licenses to private individuals instead of government outlets.
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A total of 3396 liquor stores will be set up across the state. A total of 12 premium liquor stores will be set up in Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Guntur, Nellore, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapur.
The license fees are determined by the average population in the concerned region. In the first year, Rs. 50 lakhs will be charged for stores which are in areas with an average population of 10,000.
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For areas with an average population of more than 5 lakhs, the license fee will be Rs. 85 lakhs for each store. The fee for premium stores will be Rs. 1 crore. Besides premium stores, the license fee for the rest of the liquor stores will be increased by 10% every year.
Meanwhile, applications for liquor licences will be issued from today. Individuals can submit as many liquor store applications as they wish, but each application requires a non-refundable fee of Rs. 2 lakhs.
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The deadline for applications is October 9, and on October 11, licenses will be issued through a lottery system at every district collectorate. These licenses will be valid from October 12, 2023, to September 30, 2026.
To make liquor more affordable, the government has decided to offer 180 ml (quarter) of alcohol for just Rs. 99. People who were troubled by J-Brand liquors and high prices will now find relief under this new policy.
