HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh government, which is pinning lot of hopes on the revenue generated through the sale of liquor, is understood to be contemplating opening more government-run liquor shops in every mandal across the State.
Eventhough the State Cabinet had, during its recent meeting, tentatively decided to set up one government-run liquor shop in each mandal, the State government is reportedly considering the option of increasing the government-run shops to earn additional revenue to fill its coffers.
“There is a proposal to set up more liquor shops by the government in each mandal,” said an official.
As the existing excise policy would expire by June 30, the State government would hold a key meeting with the officials of the excise department on June 20 to finalise modalities of the new policy, set to be implemented from July 1.
According to him, if the government decides to set up additional shops the number of shops might go up to 1,000. So far, the State government has decided to set up one shop in each mandal. The State has about 664 mandals.
The State government is learnt to have not taken any decision on whether to continue with the last years’ licencse fee for private shops or increase it.
In fact, the State government earlier had toyed with the idea of taking over the entire liquor business from the hands of private persons in order to fill its coffers.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had even sent Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra and officials to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Delhi to study their excise policies.
