AP government wants to adopt TN’s liquor policy by taking over liquor sales in the state
Representative image (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: From July onwards not only milk, butter milk and fruit juice, even liquor will be available in tetra packs in Andhra Pradesh. In the new liquor policy, the excise department has suggested to the government to introduce liquor in 90ml and 180ml tetra packs. In the wake of TS’ proposal to introduce affordable liquor in the MRP slab of Rs 30 to Rs 40, the AP excise department has suggested introduction of liquor in small quantity Tetra packs.
Excise officials said if the AP government does not introduce small quantity liquor packs, six districts of AP bordering Telangana will be affected as far as liquor sales is concerned. A senior official in the excise department said if the AP government introduces small quantity liquor tetra packs in rural areas, people who cannot afford to buy quarter or half bottles will buy those. By introducing this new system of liquor packs the sales of liquor as well as excise revenue will increase in the state. The AP cabinet scheduled for Tuesday is likely to finalise the new liquor policy.
At present various brands of liquor is available in 750 ml (full bottle), 375 ml (half bottle) and 180 ml (quarter bottle). The excise department suggested liquor in tetra packs for only local brands like Bagpiper, Old Monk, Haywards and others. In villages, some cannot afford to buy half or full bottle of liquor. If the liquor is available in small quantity they can easily buy and sales of liquor will increase in rural areas.
The AP government wants to adopt TN’s liquor policy by taking over liquor sales in the state. But the AP Cabinet is divided in adopting the Tamil Nadu policy. Some ministers have suggested implementing the Karnataka policy which is more or less on the lines of the AP policy. In Karnataka a majority of outlets are run by the private sector and a few through the corporation.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story
