In what might turn controversial, the Andhra Pradesh government has okayed consumption of 'low alcoholic beverages' like beer, wine and Bacardi Breezers at Gachibowli and other government stadia across the state during sporting and non-sporting events.
The cash-starved government also lifted a ban imposed in 2010 on holding non-sporting events including marriages, film functions, film shoots, private parties, seminars, meetings etc. at the stadia to raise funds for maintenance.
The state had banned commercial functions after the Income Tax department had slapped Rs 86.70 crore as tax payable by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) from 2003-2004 onwards and had frozen its bank accounts in 2010.
The I-T department, while asking SAAP to pay the tax in instalments, had dismissed the latter’s plea that it was a charitable institution stating that SAAP was using its stadia and other sports infrastructure and properties for non-sporting activities.
With the liquor issue, especially syndicates, rocking the state, the “pay, play and drink” decision is bound to become contentious.
Sources said that the decision was taken following pressure from corporates and other commercial organisers for permission to serve select liquor for both sporting and non-sporting events.
For serving liquor like beer, wine and Bacardi Breezer inside the stadia, the organisers, however, will have to make arrangements for removal of bottles, cans etc., waste disposal and security. The lessee will also have to obtain the necessary permissions from the Excise Department.
“Sale will be permitted by the Sports Authority of AP with 30 per cent of the gross revenue from such sales going towards its revenue share,” said Ms Vasudha Mishra, secretary, Youth Advance, Tourism and Culture (Sports) Department.
SAAP will also get 10 per cent of the gross gate collection, 10 per cent of ad charges, 10 per cent seats reserved for invitees of SAAP/District Sports Authority in VIP enclosure and other enclosures.
To this effect, the SAAP vice-chairman has requested the government to issue revised orders for allotment of sports stadia, other sports infrastructure and properties of SAAP for non-sporting events and commercial activities for generating revenue, for proper maintenance of the assets with a condition that these will be allowed only when the facilities are not being utilised for sporting events, according to the senior official.
On SAAP’s suggestion, the government has also revised the tariffs for both sporting and non-sporting events in all its stadia including those at Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam etc.
For marriages, private party functions etc. the rates are two and half times more than the base rate, for film/Ad shoots, film awards, film releases, audio release functions etc. it is double the base rate and for seminars, workshops and exhibitions etc. it is one and half times more.
RATE CARD
GMC Balayogi Athletics Stadium
* Gachibowli Rs 10 lakh
* Indoor Stadium Rs 10 lakh
* Swimming pool Rs 5 lakh
* Hockey Complex, Rs 5 lakh
* External Roads, Sports complex Rs 4 lakh
* Shooting Range, University of Hyderabad Rs 5 lakh
* LB Stadium Rs 7.5 lakh
* Indoor Stadium Rs 4 lakh
* Tennis complex Rs 3 lakh
* Swimming Pool Rs 2 lakh
* Stadium Gymnastics Hall, Rs 2 lakh
* Stadium Boxing, Judo, Wrestling Hall, Rs 1.5 lakh
* Stadium Coaching venues, halls Rs 35,000
* OU Campus cycling velodrome, Rs 3 lakh
* KVBR Indoor Stadium, Yousufguda Rs 5 lakh
* Saroornagar Indoor stadium, Rs 5 lakh.