Challenges Mount for Liquor Traders in Andhra Pradesh as Deadline for Regular Licenses Nears

In Andhra Pradesh, liquor traders are facing mounting challenges in securing suitable locations for retail outlets as the deadline for obtaining a regular license approaches on November 10. The state government, which recently introduced a new liquor policy on October 16, has sanctioned 3,396 retail liquor outlets for private operators. However, obtaining regular licenses has proven to be an uphill battle for many traders due to stringent location regulations and community resistance.

Under the current policy, no liquor outlet can be within a 100-meter radius of schools, religious institutions, hospitals, or highways. Unlike in previous years, the excise authorities now measure this distance in a straight line or “air distance,” rather than following road paths, adding a new layer of complexity. Many traders argue that this policy, which is unique to Andhra Pradesh, is creating operational difficulties and has left them scrambling to find compliant locations.

Apart from meeting distance requirements, liquor traders are facing local resistance. Many communities express concerns over the potential impact of nearby liquor shops on public peace and safety, fearing an increase in law and order issues. Traders report that they are frequently confronted by residents who oppose the establishment of liquor outlets in close proximity to their homes, even when these shops meet state guidelines. Political pressures and disputes over rental advances with property owners further complicate the process, with some traders struggling to relocate after already securing locations.

Despite these hurdles, excise authorities report that over 2,500 of the sanctioned outlets have successfully received regular licenses, leaving only a small number of traders working against the clock. For many, the November 10 deadline marks a critical turning point as they seek to overcome regulatory and community challenges to secure their businesses. As the liquor policy evolves, the balance between regulation, community interests, and business feasibility remains a crucial issue in Andhra Pradesh’s retail liquor landscape.