Visakhapatnam: Fear of revenue loss has checked the move to shift liquor shops adjoining national and state highways in Andhra Pradesh. Over 700 liquor shops are located along highways in the state. While the existing Excise Act does not support the shifting of the shops, the government is reluctant to amend the Excise Act suitably as it generates around Rs 12,000 crore revenue through spirit sales. SC Empowered Committee on Road Safety had instructed the state government to either remove or shift the wine shops on highways.
It also directed the excise and the transport departments to check the sale of spirit at dhabas on highways. This was to curb drunken driving and also put an end to the visibility of wine shops on highways while driving, which distracts drivers, causing accidents. Excise officials said that over 700 spirit shops were located on highways in the state. As per the Committee’s instructions the shops can be relocated 500 mts to 1 km away from highways so that drivers are not attracted to purchase alcohol and consume it while driving.
Ninety per cent of the 700 spirit shops were located close to dhabas and restaurants on the highways. Excise Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Meena said they have given notices to the spirit shop owners to shift the shops from the highways. However, the owners approached the High Court. As per the present Excise Act it is difficult to remove liquor outlets away from highways.
The Act must be amended if the Empowered Committee’s recommendations are to be implemented. Sources said that though excise officials have sent a proposal to government to change the Act, the government is silent as it fears the move may impact revenue.
