The State government had decided to keep the liquor shops 100 meters away from the schools and places of worship. The government issued orders directing the liquor shop license holders to keep 100 meters distance from the schools and temples, churches and masjids.
Minister for Excise, Kollu Ravindra, told media persons in Amaravati that the allotment of shops for the bidders was completed on the day. The district collectors have taken the draws and allotted the shops. The new shops would be ready by October 16, he said.
He further said that the government had decided to make available all liquor brands for the customers. All leading brands available in India would now be available for the people of Andhra Pradesh, he said.
He blamed the previous YSR Congress government for its liquor policy. He said that the YSR Congress had promoted only the brands that were made by the party leaders. The government had run the shops and there was no online payment, he said.
The YSR Congress looted the liquor revenue, he alleged. He further said that the YSR Congress leaders have taken away the liquor money. The cash payments at the retail liquor shops was taken by the YSR Congress leaders, he alleged. The money was not accounted for as it was all cash and carry sales, he said.
The NDA government now under the leadership of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had decided to give the liquor shops to the private individuals. They would pay the fee and taxes to the government and the revenue would go directly to the exchequer, the Minister said.
