Collectors start liquor shop lotteries

HYDERABAD: Naga Panchami was an auspicious day for 45-year-old Indira Devi, whose family members successfully obtained a liquor license (A4) shop in Medchal-Malkajgiri district on Monday.

Indira Devi, along with her family members, appeared for the draw of lots at Amberpet. The draw of lots was overseen by the district collector and excise officers.

"First time, we applied for a liquor shop in Medchal district. It was a tense situation for all of us but the wait was worth it. We will be going into this business for the first time," Indira Devi said.

There was a festive atmosphere at Rana Pratap function hall in Amberpet with hundreds of applicants squatting at the place for the draw of lots.
Veeragoni Dayakar, who had applied for a liquor shop in Medchal, said he had missed the bus to some newcomers who had applied for the first time.

"Ironically, although my family and friends submitted 30 applications for Medchal, Chintal, Balanagar, Jeedimetla, and other places, we failed to get even a single shop this year," he replied.

Meanwhile, the government conducted the draw of lots for 2598 shops in the state of a total of 2620 shops of A4 on Monday. Officials stalled 22 shops in the Adilabad district because of poor response. The government received 1.31 lakh applications for 2026 liquor shops in the state.