HC Seeks AP Response on 50% Hike in Liquor Shop Renewal Fee
The traders also sought an extension of the September 20 deadline for submitting applications for renewal of liquor shop licences.
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to file a counter affidavit with details on the increase in the renewal fee for liquor retail shop licences and posted the matter for hearing on September 18.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Lisa Gill and Justice Challa Gunaranjan was hearing a petition filed by liquor traders challenging Government Orders Nos. 579, 580 and 582, under which licences for liquor shops were to be renewed under the new excise policy for 2026-27, with the renewal fee for open-category shops increased by 50 per cent.
Senior counsel Vedula Venkataramana, appearing for the petitioners, argued that there was a wide variation in the retail excise tax levied on liquor shops in the open and reserved categories. He contended that such differential treatment for the same business was unconstitutional.
The traders also sought an extension of the September 20 deadline for submitting applications for renewal of liquor shop licences.
