The Prohibition and Excise Department officials issued licences to 3,100 liquor shops and 463 bars in the State as on Wednesday. Besides, licences were given to 92 new bars.
The licences of the liquor shops and bars expired on June 30 and fresh licences were being issued from July 1 in line with the new excise policy.
According to official sources, 4,380 liquor shops, 743 bars and 25 bars (located in clubs) are running in the State. The government has given 45 days time (August 15) for obtaining new licences. However, more than 50% of wine shops and bars owners took licences in just five days.
Joint Commissioner (Administration), Prohibition and Excise, A. Chandrashekar Naidu told The Hindu the issuing of new licences was expected to complete by July 20, and the number of bars had gone up to 835 with the government issuing licences to 92 new ones.
Notices served
“We served notices to about 40 dealers as the locals raised objections to running wine shops or bars in residential areas or in the vicinity of places of worship or educational institutions. Some traders have accordingly shifted their establishments to new places,” Mr. Naidu said.
“Following the Supreme Court’s directions, owners of some shops located near the national highways are scouting for new locations,” the Joint Commissioner said.
Director (Enforcement), Prohibition and Excise, K. Venkateswara Rao, said officials had booked 161 cases for running belt shops and arrested 169 persons in the last few days.
“The Excise police are conducting raids to prevent belt shops and MRP violations,” he said.
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