Andhra Pradesh to cut down the number of bars by 40 per cent in phased manner

With the motive of banning liquor in a phased manner in Andhra Pradesh, the state government recently decided to cancel all existing bar licences and cut down the number of bars by 40 per cent. The government has also decided to hike the price of liquor sold in bars, and set up legislations to direct strict punishments for those restoring to illegal sale of alcohol. Those found violating the rule will be fined up to three times of the license fee, and imprisonment of six months will be awarded to them.

Reports suggest that while chairing a review meeting on the new excise policy, the Chief Minister has asked the officials to bring down the number of bars in the state by 40 per cent. Reportedly, there are a total of 798 licensed bars, four pubs, and 38 star hotels with permission to serve liquor. The Chief Minister, after a lot of discussion, wanted to enforce a complete ban on liquor to be in line with the promises he made to women during ‘Praja Sankalpa Yatra’, but have now decided directed to reduce it by 40 per cent.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Prohibition and Excise K Narayana Swamy told the media that the new bar licensing policy will be brought into effect from January 1, 2020. He said that the new bar licenses will be issued on the basis of lottery systems, however, the guidelines on license fee and application fee are yet to be finalised. And once the new policy comes into force, the bars will remain open from 11 AM to 10 PM, which is one hour less than previously. Further, star hotels will be allowed to serve drinks till 11 PM.