The deadline for liquor shop applications across Andhra Pradesh will close at 7:00 pm today (Friday), with the government receiving a staggering 65,424 applications for 3,396 liquor outlets until late Thursday night. This has generated a substantial income of Rs 1,308 crore for the State. Interestingly, NTR district has seen the highest number of applications, while Alluri district has garnered the least interest. In NTR district alone, 4,839 applicants are competing for just 113 liquor shop licenses, marking a significant demand in the region.
In contrast, Alluri district, which has 40 liquor shops, received only 869 applications, reflecting comparatively lower participation. With the deadline looming tonight, senior officials from the Excise Department anticipate a further surge in applications, estimating another 20,000 entries before the cutoff. Remarkably, 20 applications have even been received from the United States of America (USA) and Europe.
As the clock ticks down, Excise commissioner Nishant Kumar highlighted that new online registrations would remain open until 7:00 pm, with a 12-hour window for applicants to pay the application fee online the following day. For those opting for direct submissions at excise stations using bank demand drafts, the Commissioner assured that those in que lines before the cutoff would still be accommodated. Tokens will be issued to applicants present with the required documents at the Excise Stations. Commissioner Nishant Kumar urged applicants to adhere to the rules and cooperate with authorities to ensure the smooth completion of the process.