The State government will keep a tab on smuggling of illicit distilled (ID) liquor from Khammam district in Telangana State to Andhra Pradesh, according to Prohibition and Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra.
At a press conference here on Friday, the Minister said that the government was making all necessary arrangements for fast approaching Godavari Pushakarams. There was a possibility that the ID liquor would be brought illegally from the neighbouring States during the Pushkarams. The government was keen on preventing untoward incidents and unruly behaviour by the tipplers during the event. So, it was decided to keep a vigil on ID liquor, he said.
The Minister, however, did not confirm whether there would be any prohibition on sale of liquor in places where the Pushkarams would be observed. “As of now, the government has no such plans,” he said.
Mr. Ravindra said the new excise policy would be announced by June-end. The government was studying the policies of States such as Karnataka, TN, Kerala and Delhi to formulate a best policy in the country, he said, adding that the government was acting tough against the belt shop organisers. So far, about 9,000 cases were booked against belt shop owners, he added.
New excise policy will be announced by June-end, says
Excise Minister
Kollu Ravindra