Andhra regulates liquor pricing

The Andhra Pradesh government has taken significant steps to regulate liquor pricing and enforce strict compliance with MRP caps. A committee led by a retired High Court judge has been appointed to review liquor prices in the state. The committee will engage in discussions with alcohol companies operating in the state to ensure fair price revisions.

As part of this exercise, the Excise Department has approved proposals from certain liquor companies to reduce the prices of their brands, with the revised prices applying to new stock. For instance, Mansion House, a popular brand, has announced reductions across its range, with quarter bottles reduced from Rs 220 to Rs 190, half bottles from Rs 440 to Rs 380, and full bottles from Rs 870 to Rs 760. Other premium brands have also announced price cuts.

To curb MRP violations, the government has introduced strict penalties, including a Rs 5 lakh fine for the first offence and license revocation for repeat violations. Furthermore, the government is cracking down on unauthorised belt shops, imposing the same penalties on liquor shops supplying these outlets.