Liquor Wars Erupt in Andhra Pradesh: Who Will Win?

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the cancellation of state-run liquor shops, opting to replace them with private liquor outlets, inviting applications for licenses in the process. However, this decision has led to unexpected competition, with a surge of interest from applicants, including those with no prior experience in the liquor industry.

Current trends show that the number of applications for liquor licenses in Andhra Pradesh is far exceeding official expectations. Interestingly, it's not just restaurant owners expressing interest; individuals from various professions, including software engineers, doctors, contractors, and auditors, are stepping forward to apply for liquor store licenses. Notably, a significant portion of these applicants are software engineers, which has raised eyebrows given the traditional demographics of liquor store operators.

Those applying for licenses are actively engaging with officials to clarify doubts and understand the process. Previously, the application fee for a liquor license was set at ten thousand rupees, but changes in policy mean that applicants who previously failed can now reapply without penalty. In a notable shift, the coalition government has altered the payment structure for license fees, increasing the number of installments from three to six, further complicating the licensing process for potential shop owners.