Khammam: Liquor shops located near the Andhra Pradesh border have paid rich dividends to the state government. A total of 4,263 applications were received by the excise department by the end of deadline to apply for liquor shop licences in Khammam district.
This is a record number in the state. Sattupalli stood in first place by getting 756 applications for just 15 shops followed by Nelakondapalli with 725 for eleven shops.
Applicants are eyeing liquor shops of border areas, anticipating more profits if they get even one shop. Liquor shops in AP are following strict rules and are closing by 8 pm. Long queues are witnessed from 6 pm and white collar persons face embarrassment to stand in the line to get liquor. It is noticed that such people drive the 40 km distance to Telangana state and pick up liquor.
According to an estimate, liquor sales in the wine shops of Sattupalli, Nelakondapalli and Madhira have increased over the last 15 days. Liquor traders noticed this and submitted their applications for wine shops.
There are 12 liquor shops in Madhira, which is very close to the AP border. Excise officials said that 682 applications came till the end of the time limit.
