More Revenue, Less Nuisance: AP to Reopen Permit Rooms

The Andhra Pradesh government has taken another key decision related to liquor sales. After rolling back the previous liquor policy introduced by the YSRCP, the new NDA government is now planning to bring back permit rooms at liquor shops. This move is expected to benefit both the government’s revenue and drinkers who have long been missing this facility.

During the previous government’s rule, permit rooms were completely banned. Since then, people have been drinking in open spaces like roadsides, empty plots, and near shops. This has turned into a major public nuisance, troubling local residents and creating safety issues.

Now, the Excise Department is considering restarting permit rooms where drinkers can sit and consume alcohol within a designated space. This would reduce public drinking and help control related disturbances.

The plan is to start issuing permits from September onwards. Earlier, the fee for each permit room was ₹5 lakh per year. The new proposal divides locations into two categories, ₹7.5 lakh in cities and ₹5 lakh in other areas.

Andhra Pradesh currently has 3,736 liquor outlets. If permit rooms are reintroduced, the government expects to earn at least ₹186 crore annually through fees alone. Additional income from increased sales is also likely, especially with the popularity of ₹99 quarter bottles.

While the government aims to increase revenue through this step, it is also promoting it as a way to manage and control alcohol consumption more responsibly. Officials estimate the state could earn over ₹200 crore every year from this revised system. Official orders on this policy are expected to be released soon.