New Andhra bar policy prioritises health, 10% licenses for BC: Chandrababu Naidu
A key feature of the policy is the reservation of 10 per cent of these licenses for members of the Backward Classes (BCs), similar to the existing reservation in liquor retail outlets. The state currently has 840 bars, and officials estimate that the new policy could generate Rs 700 crore from license and application fees.To ensure fairness, each license will require a minimum of four applicants. The license fee will be calculated based on the population of the area: Rs 35 lakh for areas with fewer than 50,000 people, Rs 55 lakh for areas with up to 5 lakh population, and Rs 75 lakh for areas exceeding 5 lakh.Officials also briefed the Chief Minister about a surge in liquor sales near state borders. They said this was due to Andhra Pradesh offering all major liquor brands at lower prices and better quality compared to neighbouring states, which has led to a drop in cross-border purchases and illegal liquor transportation.They also reported significant progress in cracking down on illicit liquor. So far, 12 districts have been declared completely free of Illicitly Distilled (ID) liquor. Plans are in place to add eight more districts to this list in August, with the remaining six expected to follow by September.- EndsTune InMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh
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