Illegal Liquor Belt Shops Persist in Vizag Slums, Despite Crackdowns

 Visakhapatnam: Despite repeated crackdowns, unauthorised liquor sales through belt shops continue to thrive in slum areas of Visakhapatnam, particularly in the run-up to the New Year, raising concerns among residents and enforcement agencies.

The Prohibition and Excise Department has acknowledged that many of these belt shops are operated by women from economically vulnerable backgrounds. Official data show that in 2025 alone, 442 cases of unauthorised liquor sales were registered in the district, leading to the seizure of 883.76 litres of Indian Made Liquor, 65.65 litres of beer and three vehicles. A total of 443 persons were arrested in connection with these cases.

Visakhapatnam district prohibition and excise superintendent R. Prasad said there had been a 63 per cent reduction in unauthorised liquor cases in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We have noticed that women, many of whom are among the poorest sections, are involved in belt shop activity. Field-level monitoring has been intensified,” he said.

Belt shops are largely concentrated in densely populated slum localities, where enforcement remains challenging and demand remains steady. Residents say the shops often disturb social harmony. C. Nallamma, a resident of Relli Veedhi, said some women working as daily-wage labourers stock liquor at home and sell it discreetly. “This leads to frequent disturbances. Women in our area were forced to stage a protest against belt shops,” she said.

The presence of illegal liquor outlets has also affected local development efforts. A property owner in Peddajalari Peta said he declined to rent out his premises for a proposed tuition centre after learning that liquor was being sold nearby, fearing an unsuitable environment for children.

Excise officials said the issue reflects deeper social and economic challenges. While belt shops provide income for some women, they also contribute to law-and-order issues and hinder community development. Authorities said enforcement would continue, but acknowledged that policing alone may not be sufficient to address the problem.