One of the most controversial moves during the tenure of ex-CM Jagan Mohan Reddy was the state-controlled liquor policy. As per this policy, all liquor shops in Andhra Pradesh were brought under the direct control of the government, eliminating private liquor vendors. While the intent behind this move was to regulate liquor sales, it turned out to be quite problematic for the people of the state. š¬
What Was the Problem? ā
The liquor sold through these government-controlled outlets was often of poor quality, with several reports claiming that it was contaminated. People across Andhra Pradesh complained about the high prices of liquor and the strict cash-only policy at these stores. Many believed that the government-run shops were not only inconvenient but also detrimental to public health. š
The prices were sky-high, and the quality of liquor left much to be desired. Public discontent grew louder as liquor consumption was not regulated properly and the shops continued selling low-quality alcohol, damaging the health of many. The result? A policy that hurt the people and became one of the major talking points during the elections. š«š·
A New Policy, A New Approach āØ
Now, with a new NDA government in power in Andhra Pradesh, things are changing! The NDA government has announced that it will scrap the government-controlled liquor shops introduced during Jaganās tenure. Starting 12 October, 3,396 private liquor shops will be opened across the state.
As of today, 1 October, the government has begun calling for tenders for private liquor shop licenses. The tender process will close on 9 October, with each tender priced at Rs 2 lakh. On 11 October, the licenses will be allocated using a lottery mechanism. This shift marks a significant change in how liquor sales will be managed in the state. š¾š
Once the new shops are in place, all remaining liquor bottles from the old government-run stores must be returned to the AP Excise Department. The contaminated liquor from the previous regime will be taken off the market, and new, quality liquor will be supplied to the private shops. The NDA government is also introducing a higher licensing fee for private liquor vendors, ranging from Rs 50-85 lakh, depending on the area and local population. šø
Will Liquor Be Cheaper Now? š¤
One of the key promises made by the NDA during the elections was that liquor prices would be reduced. Now that they are in power, the people of Andhra Pradesh are expecting the government to fulfill this promise. With the switch to private liquor shops, there is hope that prices will come down and quality will improve. But it remains to be seen whether the government can truly deliver on this front. š
The Bigger Issue: Health and Awareness ā ļø
While the new NDA government has taken decisive steps to shift liquor control from government to private hands, the bigger question remains: What is being done to reduce liquor consumption in the state? Neither the previous YSRCP government nor the current NDA regime has made a serious effort to raise awareness about the harmful effects of excessive liquor consumption. This issue continues to plague Andhra Pradesh, affecting public health, draining savings, and causing family conflicts and crimes. šØš»
A ban on liquor seems nearly impossible to enforce in a single state, especially in a country as large and diverse as India. However, the least the government can do is raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption. Instead of promoting liquor sales through private shops, there should be campaigns to educate people about the risks and encourage healthier alternatives. The focus needs to shift from selling more alcohol to protecting the health and well-being of the people. šØāš©āš§āš¦
In the end, while the government may have fulfilled its promise to privatize liquor sales, the real challenge lies in addressing the larger issue of liquor consumption and its devastating effects on society. ā
