Officials also highlighted that Andhra Pradesh's improved liquor availability and pricing have curbed cross-border smuggling and boosted local sales.
Published Aug 05, 2025 | 12:34 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 05, 2025 | 12:34 PM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Starting 1 September, Andhra Pradesh will implement a new excise policy that aims to prioritise public safety over revenue generation.
“Excise policy is not solely about income; it must prioritise public safety,” Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated during a review meeting on Monday, 4 August, at the Secretariat with key ministers and officials. He underscored the importance of promoting low-alcohol-content beverages to reduce health risks, adding, “It is essential to ensure that liquor does not ruin the homes and lives of the poor.”
As the current bar policy nears expiration, the new policy — drafted based on recommendations of a cabinet sub-committee — will introduce a lottery-based bar license system. Andhra Pradesh currently has 840 bars, and officials project ₹700 crore in revenue from application and license fees. Proposed license fees are ₹35 lakh in towns with populations under 50,000, ₹55 lakh for up to 5 lakh, and ₹75 lakh for larger cities.
Additionally, 10 percent of bar licenses will be reserved for Backward Classes (BC) communities.
Officials also highlighted that Andhra Pradesh’s improved liquor availability and pricing have curbed cross-border smuggling and boosted local sales. Twelve districts are now free of illicitly distilled liquor, with the remaining set to follow by September.
