• Average of only 2-3 tenders per liquor shop received Statewide
• Deadline for filing tenders just three days away
Contrary to the buzz surrounding Andhra Pradesh’s much-anticipated new liquor policy, the State has seen an unexpectedly low number of tenders filed for liquor shops. In the six-day period since tenders opened, only 8,274 applications were submitted for 3,396 liquor shops. While the first three days saw a promising start with 3,400 tenders, the process slowed significantly thereafter.
The new liquor policy, unveiled by the Andhra Pradesh government, aims to reform the State’s alcohol distribution network while boosting State revenues by an estimated Rs 5,500 crore annually. The policy was introduced following the expiration of the previous government’s liquor shop permits, with tenders now being called for new licenses. The notification for the new tenders was issued last week. However, the response has fallen short of expectations.
The Andhra Pradesh Excise Department revealed that an average of only 2-3 tenders per liquor shop have been received Statewide. Reports suggest that syndicates established by leaders of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in most of the assembly constituencies may be responsible for this underwhelming response, with allegations that these groups have discouraged participation in certain constituencies.
The deadline for filing tenders is just three days away. District-wise, the response has been mixed. Vizianagaram district leads with 855 tenders, while the neighbouring Manyam district lags behind with only 174. Tirupati and Nellore districts have also seen a muted response, with only 165 tenders submitted for 227 shops in Tirupati and 179 tenders for 182 shops in Nellore. In some instances, bidders have reportedly shown no interest in specific shops.
Meanwhile, districts like NTR, Vizianagaram, and Eluru have fared better, with an average of 5-6 tenders per shop in NTR and Vizianagaram and 4-5 tenders in Eluru. The application window would remain open until October 9, with a lottery to determine successful bidders scheduled for October 11. The total number of liquor shops in the State stands at 3,396, and the application fee is set at Rs 2 lakh. Depending on the population of the area, license fees range from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 85 lakh, while premier shop licenses cost Rs 1 crore.
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