New Excise Policy: Jagan retains 2934 liquor outlets; eyes Rs 16,500 Cr revenue

Despite promising phased prohibition, the YSRC government unveiled the new excise policy retaining all liquor retail outlets in Andhra Pradesh.

This is the second consecutive year that the YSRC government did not reduce the number of liquor outlets. On the contrary, the number of liquor outlets is likely to increase as the government has allowed the AP Tourism Department to establish walk-in stores at popular destinations.

Under the policy, all the 2,934 retail outlets in the state will continue business under the control of Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) for 2022-23. The APSBCL can also establish walk-in stores as per the requirement without changing the total number of retail outlets under its control.

In the new excise policy, the AP tourism department shall be permitted to establish liquor outlets or walk-in stores in tourism facilitation centers (TFCs) in consultation with the APSBCL.

The new decision will increase the number of liquor shops as there is no restriction on this category.

TDP blamed the YSRC government for selling cheap quality liquor at high prices at the cost of the people. They also alleged that liquor is the only source of revenue for the YSRC government as development has been stalled in the state for the past three years.

The state government also permitted the managing director of APSBCL to shift retail outlets including those in TFCs as and when required depending upon the viability. The new provision will boost the number of liquor stores, particularly in Vizag city and a few other areas in the state.

The new retail liquor outlets will be opened on the basis of demand from tourists. The new liquor policy will boost the revenue of the state through the sale of beers and liquor.

The government is looking at revenue of Rs 16,500 crore through the Excise department in 2022-23.

The total sales value in 2021-22 is around Rs 24,000 crore. Out of the total sales value, the revenue will be 80 percent. Thus going by the Rs 24,000 crore sale value, the revenue will be more than Rs 19,000 crore in 2021-22.