Andhra sees record surge in liquor shop applications

The Andhra Pradesh government has received an overwhelming response for the allotment of retail liquor shops, with 87,986 applications submitted for 3,396 outlets under the new excise policy.

The state earned Rs 1,800 crore through a non-refundable application fee of Rs 2 lakh per applicant. The excise department had invited applications for liquor shop licences from 1 to 11 October.

After the verification of the applicants, the lottery will be drawn on 15th October. The selected applicants can operate the liquor shops from 16th October.

The new liquor policy shifts the retail liquor business from government control to private dealers for the next two years.