Anantapur: A change in Andhra Pradesh’s liquor policy is for allotting liquor shops to individuals through a lottery system. This will result in a huge competition in the Rayalaseema region.
However, political leaders in various assembly segments, who have experience in the liquor trade, started attempts to form syndicates and grab shops.
Interestingly, YSRC leaders from various mandals are also trying to get as many wine shops as possible.
The present excise policy, which is similar to the one implemented during the previous TD term, has a provision to invite applications for shops from individuals. Shops will be allotted through a lottery system that will be supervised by the district-level official committees.
Even while the lottery system gives the freedom for any individual to apply for shops and try their luck, a majority of the localities in the Rayalaseema region will see political or faction domination in the shops’ distribution.
"In case of any competition from the opposition leaders, without making a compromise to the syndicate, we will send more applications to get more shops in the lottery system,” a senior leader from Satya Sai district told Deccan Chronicle.
Another senior TD leader involved in liquor trade for the past three decades said he had to close a bar even though he got it through tenders, due to political pressure during the term of the YSRC government. Now, Telugu Desam leaders are keen on grabbing a majority of the shops in busy locations.
The present licence for bars and restaurants lasts one more year. Many of these are maintained by non-locals.
Sources said there is no option for customers, under the new policy, to consume liquor at the shops. However, the new policy will ensure a permit room to every shop where customers can enter and drink.
