Deputy Chief Minister K. Narayanaswamy, who holds the Excise and Prohibition portfolio, has announced that the new liquor policy is aimed at the larger benefit of society and not revenue.
There were 4,380 outlets in the State, but following the government’s decision to close down 20% of the shops, their number has come down to 3,500.
Addressing the media here on Tuesday, Mr. Narayanaswamy said all the shops would be run by Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL). The change in the system also comes with revised timings as the outlets would function between 11 am and 8 pm, instead of the earlier 10 am to 10 pm.
“Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy has fulfilled his promise made to women during his padayatra. At the end of the fifth year, we will ensure total prohibition and confine the sale of liquor only to star hotels,” he said.
Mr. Narayanaswamy admitted that the sales had already dipped by 15% after the change of guard, adding that nearly 15,000 women constables had been recruited to keep a watch on illegal sale of liquor in villages.
