Andhra Pradesh government begins takeover of 3,500 liquor shops

Andhra Presh Government will take over 3,500 wine shops from October 1 in order to regulate liquor in state. move will also help to control and regulate supply in short term future. 

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Government takeover

3,500-odd liquor shops will run under  government-owned Andhra Presh State Bevers Corporation Limited (APSBCL), which will take over business in a phased manner. Recently, government also released a circular which said that working hours of wine shops will be reduced.  government has alrey taken over 475 wine shops. Since Jagan Mohan Reddy became Chief Minister in May, government has closed down 43,000 belt shops. Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister K Narayana Swamy said, "Till w, 2,872 cases were registered and 2,928 people were taken into custody for operating belt shops and government will take firm steps in ericating illicit liquor. In all, 4,788 cases were registered for preparing illicit liquor and 2,834 people were arrested. So far, 3,448 shops have been taken for lease. shops will run between 11 am and 8 pm.

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Revenues are t expected to decrease

new changes have cracked down on liquor shops heavily, such as  liquor shop should be located within 100m of a place of public worship, educational institution, and hospital, stores should sell liquor at MRP and issue bills,  permit rooms will be allowed and consumption on store premises is prohibited. government does t expect state revenues to decrease once new rules are implemented. Many private license owners have t renewed ir license. Narayana Swamy ded, "We have taken this step to resolve problems due to alcohol. government will provide alternate employment to those dependent on alcohol shops. revenue will t be decreased by government-run alcohol shops. bar shops are also open till late night and we are trying to reduce it. permit room shall be available at alcohol shops". move will also help government to receive and keep a check on money that is earned from liquor sales.

Jagan Mohan Reddy, during his payatra last year, h promised to ban alcohol in state, and this move will be a step towards his election promise.  state government will also be establishing more de-diction centers in every hospital for those who are dicted to alcohol. 

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