Andhra adopts private retail model for liquor sales

The Andhra Pradesh cabinet has approved the adoption of a private retail model for liquor sales across the state in a bid to improve the efficiency of managing liquor business operations, as outlined in the new excise policy of the state.

The cabinet, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, gave its approval for this policy on 18th September. 

 As part of the new excise policy, the government has reserved 10 percent of liquor retail outlets for members of the toddy-tappers community. During a press conference at the secretariat, I & PR Minister of Andhra Pradesh, K. Parthasarathy announced that the policy would come into effect from 1st October and would be implemented over a two-year period. 

 The policy also allows the establishment of premium liquor stores and adjusts liquor prices in Andhra Pradesh to align with those in neighboring states, Telangana and Karnataka. Parthasarathy  added that the Chief Minister Naidu has instructed excise officials to ensure the availability of quality liquor at fair prices, with licenses for retail outlets to be granted transparently.