TPN , Amaravati – A report from the Cabinet sub-committee on the new liquor policy has been submitted to the government, outlining significant changes aimed at restructuring the state’s liquor retail framework. The proposal includes a potential 10 percent increase in the number of liquor shops, bringing the total to 3,736 across the state.
Key highlights of the report indicate that the term for liquor shop licenses can be fixed at two years. Additionally, the policy proposes a 10 percent reservation of licenses to support the development of the Gowda and Sondi social groups.
The annual license fee for operating a liquor shop is estimated to range between Rs. 50 lakhs and Rs. 85 lakhs, depending on the population of the area. The report also suggests a possible 10 percent increase in the license fee for the second year, with an option for shop owners to pay the fee in six installments.
Operational hours for the new liquor shops have been set from 10 AM to 10 PM, ensuring a regulated environment for sales.
The report includes district-wise breakdowns of the proposed number of shops, with specific allocations for reserved categories. Below are some highlights:
- Anakapalli: Total 165, Reserved 14
- Chittoor: Total 122, Reserved 9
- Guntur: Total 129, Reserved 9
- Tirupati: Total 264, Reserved 24
- Visakhapatnam: Total 161, Reserved 20
The implementation of this new policy aims to enhance revenue generation while also promoting social equity through the reservation system. The government is expected to deliberate on the recommendations in the coming sessions.