AP increases registration fee for bars

The Andhra Pradesh government has directed bar licencees in the state to pay the third-year license fee, along with a 10 percent enhancement, non-refundable registration charges, and the lease amount, by 20^th August 2024. The same deadline applies to star category bars and microbreweries in Andhra Pradesh, for their enhanced fees.

Recently, the Andhra Pradesh government has issued an urgent directive to all District Prohibition & Excise Officers and Nodal Deputy Commissioners, emphasising the timely payment of bar license fees and associated charges.

This move comes as part of the Bar Policy of Andhra Pradesh for the period 2022-25, which has seen the issuance of 840 bar licenses across the state, in addition to those granted to star hotels and microbreweries in the state.

State government order on the matter reads, “as per Rule 27 (3) (d) of A.P Excise (Lease of Right of selling by Bar, Grant  and  Conditions  of Licence)  Rules, 2022 " the  licence   fee,  non- refundable   registration   charge   and  lease  amount   as a  case   may   be,  for third year  of lease  /  licence   period  shall be  paid  on or before  20th   August  of the  second  year  of the lease  / licence   period."

Officials have been instructed to closely monitor the payment process and report daily on the progress. Any delay or deviation from these instructions will lead to severe disciplinary action against the responsible officers, as stated by the Andhra Pradesh  government.

This directive aims to ensure strict adherence to the financial obligations laid out in the state's excise rules, with the government taking a firm stance on compliance.