Andhra Pradesh is gearing up for a major change in its liquor policy starting October 16, 2024. This new policy brings several updates that will affect both consumers and businesses.
AP government is introducing a new pricing system for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and adding an extra fee called the privilege fee. Prices will now be rounded up to the nearest 10 rupees. For example, if a bottle’s MRP was 150.50 rupees, it will now cost 160 rupees. Quarter bottles that used to cost 90.50 rupees will now be priced at 99 rupees, just under the government’s 100-rupee price cap.
Another big change is the shift from government-run shops to private liquor stores. The response to license applications has been overwhelming, with over 90,000 applications received by the deadline on Friday evening. The government expects to earn more than 1,800 crore rupees from these license fees.
The timeline for implementing this new policy is moving quickly. Application reviews will happen on October 12-13, followed by a lottery system for shop allocation in each district on October 14. The new private liquor shops are set to open their doors on October 16.
For consumers, these changes mean slightly higher prices for some liquor brands, but also the potential for improved service and availability with more private stores. The government emphasizes that the new policy aims to ensure the health and safety of consumers, including phasing out certain brands and introducing stricter quality controls.
As Andhra Pradesh transitions to this new liquor policy, both consumers and businesses are eagerly watching how these changes will impact the market.
-Sanyogita
