The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Excise policy modified

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 27, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Excise policy modified

Special Correspondent

Licences through sealed tenders Licences through sealed tenders

HYDERABAD: In a reversal of its earlier decision, the Government has modified the Excise policy, restricting bars to municipalities and corporations and avoiding them in villages.

The changes, introduced through two orders issued on Wednesday based on an ordinance promulgated without much publicity on May 19, provide for giving licences for liquor shops through sealed tenders, which will decide the upset price. This will replace the earlier system of drawing lots to allot a liquor shop.

The licence will be valid for one year effective from July 1. It will not be renewed for the next year and the shop-owner will have to apply afresh. These modifications come even as a special leave petition filed by the State Government before the Supreme Court against the High Court order which struck down the earlier policy, is slated for disposal in July when the court opens after vacations.

Controversial provision

The controversial provision in the earlier policy which was widely criticised, especially by the women's organisations, provided for setting up of bars in any area having a population of more than 25,000 covering even villages, has been withdrawn.

The fresh changes allow these bars only in municipalities subject to clearance by the competent authority -- in this case -- the commissioner. The plea made by the Government earlier while allowing bars on the basis of population was that villages with a higher population than municipalities had no bars. However, exemption has been given to villages having tourist attractions.

The modified policy does not differentiate village from municipality as far as opening the liquor shops are concerned. Eligible persons can apply for licence through sealed tenders for opening liquor shops in villages also.

The Commissioner for Excise, B. R. Meena, told The Hindu here on Thursday that this would end the existence of belt shops and reduce the total number of liquor shops in the State to 6,590 compared to 7,500 shops under the old policy and 6,859 in the previous year.

These changes prohibit licensees from opening bars-cum-restaurants within 100 metres of the educational institutions, places of worship and hospitals. There is no ceiling on the number of bars to be opened in a municipality.

The liquor shops will do their business from 10 am to 11 pm while the restaurant may supply food till midnight. Star hotels can do business from 10 am to midnight.

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