Summary:
The latest decision to open new liquor outlets again runs contrary to its policy.
The commissioner’s communication does not mention the number of outlets to be opened.
.
The state government has decided to open new liquor outlets in entities such as ports, industries, and special economic zones (SEZs).
In a communication sent to depot managers across the state, the commissioner of distilleries & breweries and MD of AP State Breweries Corporation Ltd (APSBCL) directed them to identify suitable locations like unviable shops in ports, industrial areas and SEZs like Sri City and Brandix to set up the liquor outlets and submit proposals for necessary approvals and licences.
The new outlets will be opened either as tourism outlets or directly under the management of APSBCL like other existing retail liquor outlets in the state.
The YSRC government, in its election manifesto, has said that complete liquor prohibition would be implemented in a phased manner in the state over a period of five years.
After coming to power, the government reduced the number of retail liquor outlets by 33 per cent in two phases.
The decision to reduce the number of bars was challenged in the high court.
Later, the government renewed all bar licences after the new liquor policy came into force.
The latest decision to open new liquor outlets again runs contrary to its policy.
The commissioner’s communication does not mention the number of outlets to be opened.
.