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Published Oct 12, 2024 | 6:41 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 12, 2024 | 6:41 PM
The new liquor policy will come into force in Andhra Pradesh on 16 October. (Representative image/Creative Commons).
Come 16 October, and tipplers — at different levels of intoxication and miasmic — across Andhra Pradesh will raise a toast to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Brand new liquor shops — 3,396 to be specific — will open doors to a world inaccessible to many during the five-year YSRCP rule in the state. Many have forgotten the taste of whiskey, rich, smooth, and full-bodied with a tinge of spiced sweetness.
The soft clang of ice cubes lovingly dropped into the drink captured in crystals, and the bubbles ringing like little bells will soon become music once again, thanks to the state government’s new liquor policy. Adding to the fizz is the availability of new brands, hitherto unknown to many.
It is said that “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” but it may be more applicable to men who adore alcohol in Andhra Pradesh.
A Jagan Mohan Reddy-watcher said if YSRCP had lost the election, it was mainly because the men were seething inwardly. They could not find their choice of brand of alcohol and even if available, it was outrageously expensive, so much so that liquor used to be smuggled from Telangana.
The police had a great time seizing the bottles now and then and partying later. The unfortunate souls, who were desperate for liquor, exacted revenge against Jagan for separating them from liquor. Revenge is a dish best-served cold (chilled) and that is what they did.
On 16 October, the new liquor policy will come into effect. The excise department has already made a killing by collecting ₹1,800 crore as application fees for 3,396 shops.
On Friday, the last date for bidding for a liquor licence, there were long queues of bidders. They appeared like voters standing in a queue for casting their votes. About 90,000 applications were received for 3,396 shops which would be auctioned shop-wise on 14 October.
For the average tippler, it is celebration time. Everyone will raise a toast to Naidu. He had promised quality liquor, and he has kept his word.
