Andhra Pradesh’s liquor policy is likely to change as the chief minister-designate, Jagan Mohan Reddy, is firm on delivering on his campaign promise to ban alcohol in the state in the next five years.
Reddy reiterated on Sunday, 26 May, that he will not ask for votes again if he fails to ban liquor in the state by 2024, The Times of India reported. He plans to limit the sale to five star hotels only, thereby making alcohol less accessible to the general public.
The policy will likely be rolled out in a phased manner. Reddy has tasked V Lakshma Reddy from an NGO, Jana Chaitanya Vedika, to prepare a roadmap to implement the ban.
Another move, which might impact alcohol traders, is that the government plans to operate all liquor shops, as is the case in Kerala, Delhi and Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to TOI V Lakshma Reddy, said:
“To achieve the goal of complete liquor prohibition, the government should have control on both demand and supply. This can be achieved only when the retail business is also with the government.”
He added that the number of shops will be reduced in a gradual manner to avoid any legal complications, and, because of the scarcity, liquor prices will go up, making it inaccessible to most.
(With inputs from The Times of India)
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