Andhra Pradesh Government has introduced the new excise policy for 2024-2026. This excise policy is expected to generate revenue of Rs 5,500 crores. The new policy will come into effect from October 12.
What Does the New Excise Policy Say?
According to the reports, retailers are expected to benefit from the policy, with a 20% margin on the issue price, including Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), foreign liquor (FL), beer and wine.
Private dealers have been entrusted in this new excise policy and retail liquor business from the government is withdrawn.
It has also introduced a premium retail category and 12 premium stores are set to open in cities like Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram.
It has also informed about the guidelines for issuance of licences to private individuals selling liquor.
The government notified that 3,736 retail outlets will come across the state to sell liquor. Out of these total outlets, 3,396 outlets will be in the open category, 340 outlets will be reserved for toddy tappers and twelve outlets will be in the ‘Premium Shops’ category.
Principal Secretary to AP Government, Revenue (Excise) Department, Mukesh Kumar Meena said, “The policy will have a tenure of two years, promoting stability and predictability in the regulatory environment, which is likely to encourage greater participation from retailers.”
“A separate notification and guidelines will be issued for disposal of the 340 shops earmarked for the toddy tapper community and premium stores,” added Meena
Liquor IN 99, Is It True?
Interestingly, the state government has also announced a new category of low-priced liquor, costing Rs 99 or less. Through this, it aims to provide affordable options to people while maintaining quality standards and curb demand for illicit liquor. People can now get branded liquor at affordable prices. As per the reports, 180 ml alcohol can be purchased at Rs 99 through this scheme.
Former Andhra Pradesh CM and YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in his term had taken over the retail liquor sale from the private dealers and operated through AP State Beverages Corporation. This policy ended on September 30.
What Did The Opposition Say?
YSRCP MLC Varudu Kalyani has criticised N Chandrababu Naidu led Andhra Pradesh government for the new excise policy. She condemned the privatization of liquor sales and said that the new policy will have negative impact on the public. She called it harmful and designed with a motive of financial gain. She also expressed concern about the formation of syndicates and exploitation once it is implemented.
