Andhra Pradesh’s government has raised ₹1,797 crore through non-refundable fees by issuing new licenses for private liquor stores. This change comes after the state has decided to return to allowing private retailers to sell liquor, moving away from the government-run outlets established by the previous administration.
The new policy, announced by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, aims to streamline liquor sales by eliminating unauthorized local brands and reintroducing well-known corporate brands. The policy has been well-received, with 89,882 applications submitted for 3,396 new outlets across the state. Tirupati district had the most applications at 227, while Alluri Sita Rama Raju had the fewest at 40.
Additionally, the policy sets the price of a quarter bottle of select liquor brands at ₹99.
