Archive · 20 Sep 2025
AP: 300 Bars Remain Unallotted Under New Liquor Policy
The Andhra Pradesh government is having trouble giving out licenses for bars.
Despite issuing multiple notifications, around 300 bar licenses haven't been taken.
This is because the rules make it expensive to open a bar, including a 15% tax.
Liquor traders are asking for some of the rules to be relaxed.
Retail shops were successfully allocated, but the high costs and specific requirements for setting up a bar are preventing businesses from applying for bar licenses.
The government is considering changes to encourage more applications.
Around 300 bars remain unallotted under the new liquor policy.
The excise department issued two notifications for bar allotments.
Traders cite high costs, including a 15% ARET, as a deterrent.
Retail shops fetched the exchequer ₹18,000 crore.
Chief Minister is looking into the issue to help liquor traders.
- Who
- Liquor traders, Excise Department, Chief Minister
- What
- Unallotted bar licenses
- When
- August 18, September 2 (notifications)
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh
- Why
- High costs and regulations deterring applications
- Unallotted Bars
- 300
- Total Bars Notified
- 840
- Policy
- New bar policy 2025-2028
- Additional Retail Excise Tax (ARET)
- 15%
- Revenue From Retail Shops
- ₹18,000 crore
