The Andhra Pradesh government is in the final stages of drafting a new liquor policy, which is set to be approved during the cabinet meeting on September 18. The ministerial sub-committee will present its recommendations to the cabinet. A key decision has been made to hand over liquor shops and bars to private operators, as was done previously. A notification regarding this is expected to be issued on September 19.
The new policy will also address the pricing of liquor, with crucial decisions to be made. During the election campaign, Chandrababu Naidu had promised to bring back older liquor brands at lower prices if voted into power. Now that the coalition government has assumed office, they are reviewing the new liquor policy. A committee was appointed to study the policies in other states, and the new liquor policy is scheduled to come into effect on October 1.
Guidelines and Pricing
The new guidelines for liquor sales and pricing will be finalized as part of the policy. Under the previous YSRCP government, liquor stores were government-operated. However, the new coalition government has decided to lease out bars and liquor stores through tenders. The cabinet will approve the new policy on September 18, and the notification for new stores will be issued on September 19. Discussions regarding bar fees and liquor prices are still ongoing.
The cabinet sub-committee meeting on September 17 will finalize the distance regulations and other rules for liquor stores and bars. The government aims to ensure that the notification leaves no room for criticism. Additionally, branded liquor sales will be reintroduced in the state, with ministers already meeting with representatives from branded companies to discuss pricing. The government has emphasized keeping prices low to avoid burdening consumers, and it is anticipated that liquor prices may be reduced.
Further clarity on all aspects of the new policy is expected by September 19.