It is known to our readers that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had announced the implementation of Liquor Prohibition in Phases. By the time of next elections, Jagan promised to ensure that the Liquor is available only in Five-Star Hotels. The State Government is already taking steps to do that.
The Government is contemplating to restrict the timings of Wine Shops only between 10 AM and 6 PM. Currently, they are now opened between 10 AM to 10 PM. The new liquor policy of this government will come into effect from October. Majority of Liquor Sales happen after 6 PM and so the government feels that this change will bring down the Sales.
Jagan already instructed to curb Belt Shops which are around 70000 in number. Government sources claim that this move ensured that 20% of the Wine Shop Owners do not renew their licenses. The Timings Change Proposal is only into consideration. Experts say that the Timings Change may not augur well as it will pave way for Blackmarketing after 6 PM.
As if now, there are 4380 Liquor Shops in Andhra Pradesh and they bring around 16000 Crore Revenue to the State. Liquor ban never succeeded in any of the states. This will just open up too many illegal means and what is worse the Government will lose a major source of revenue. Blackmarketing if happens will vanish all the good work of the government. This will be a challenge to Jagan in the next five years.
