Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Excise Department has intensified surveillance over liquor sales, transportation, storage and possession ahead of the state’s local body elections to prevent the misuse of alcoholic beverages to influence voters. With the nomination process beginning, excise authorities have introduced an enforcement action plan targeting illegal liquor transportation, unauthorised stocking and the production and sale of illicitly distilled (ID) liquor.
As part of the measures, authorities have strengthened interstate border checkpoints, particularly along the borders with Karnataka and Goa, where officials anticipate possible attempts to transport liquor illegally into Andhra Pradesh. Although significant price differences with neighbouring Telangana and Tamil Nadu are not expected to encourage large-scale smuggling from those states, enforcement teams will maintain heightened vigilance to prevent unauthorised movement of alcoholic beverages.
Mobile patrolling teams have also been deployed to monitor suspicious activities and identify illegal transportation and distribution networks. In addition, the department plans to deploy 148 excise sub-inspectors who participated in a passing-out parade in Hyderabad, Telangana, to strengthen enforcement operations following the Dasara festival. Their deployment is expected to improve field-level monitoring and help officials address excise-related violations during the election period.
The department has also reiterated the existing rules governing individual liquor possession. Under the stated norms, a person can possess up to three liquor bottles without a permit or licence, subject to applicable regulations. Officials will monitor compliance and initiate action against individuals found violating the prescribed limits or engaging in unauthorised liquor storage and transportation.
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Meanwhile, sources indicated that the State Election Commission had instructed excise authorities to monitor liquor sales against the corresponding period of the previous year. The measure is intended to identify unusual increases in sales that could indicate attempts to distribute liquor to influence voters.
Authorities are also expected to enforce mandatory dry days in accordance with election regulations. Liquor sales must cease during the 48-hour period before the conclusion of polling, with implementation coordinated with district collectors.
The intensified enforcement drive reflects the administration’s efforts to prevent electoral malpractice, curb illicit liquor production and ensure compliance with excise regulations throughout the local body election process.
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