The Andhra Pradesh Excise Department is set to issue a notification in the next two or three days for the allocation of 3,736 liquor shops across the state. This move is part of the government’s plan to implement a new excise policy starting October 1. Previously, the liquor shops were managed by the YSRCP government, but the current TDP government has decided to revert to the old policy from 2014-2019, allowing private individuals to run the shops through a lottery system.
Additionally, 10% of the shops will be allocated to the Kallu Geetha Karmikulu community through their societies. The State Cabinet has already approved this allocation and sent the ordinance to Governor Abdul Nazeer for his approval, which is expected in one or two days. Following this, a gazette notification will be released. The government aims to ensure that these shops offer quality liquor, focusing on standard brands starting from October 1. Meanwhile, officials are busy transferring personnel from the Special Enforcement Bureau to the Excise Department after the SEB was abolished.
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