Andhra Pradesh Unveils New Liquor Policy: Private Retailers to Boost Rs 5,500 Crore Revenue

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a new liquor policy allowing private retailers to sell spirits, aiming to generate Rs 5,500 crore revenue. From October 12, 2024, 3,736 shops will be licensed, including 340 reserved for a specific community. The policy draws on best practices from other states and has undergone extensive stakeholder consultation.

The Andhra Pradesh government has notified a new liquor policy, permitting private retailers to sell spirits modeled after Haryana and other states, anticipating a revenue generation of Rs 5,500 crore.

In a significant revision of its excise policy, Andhra Pradesh will allow the retail sale of liquor through 3,736 designated private shops across the state starting from October 12, 2024, as per the notification dated September 30, 2024. The policy includes the sale of IMFL and FL by private entities selected through a fair process.

The license period for selling IMFL and FL will span from October 12, 2024, to September 30, 2026. Out of the total shops, 340 will be reserved for the 'Geetha Kulalu' community to promote social justice. The selection for licenses will be via a lottery system, with a non-refundable fee of Rs 2 lakh per shop. RET ranges from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 85 lakh per annum, with a 10% increase planned for 2025-26.

(With inputs from agencies.)