The Andhra Pradesh government's recent reduction in liquor prices has ushered in a new economic and social landscape in the state. Prices have decreased by ₹10 to ₹100 per bottle, saving alcohol consumers approximately ₹116 crore every month. This change is attributed to a revamped liquor policy implemented after the new government came into power, focusing on transparency, quality, and monitoring.
Liquor Cheaper Than in Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu
According to government data, the prices of 30 major liquor brands in Andhra Pradesh are now lower than in neighboring states like Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This provides consumers in the state with better options and is also reducing instances of liquor smuggling from border areas.
Chief Minister's Directive: Only Branded and Safe Liquor to be Sold
During a review meeting on Monday, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu clarified that only national and international quality liquor will be permitted for sale in the state. He instructed officials to completely halt the sale of unapproved, illegal, or harmful liquor.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of making liquor affordable for the public to curb illegal activities related to alcohol consumption and to improve public health.
Revenue Improvement Noted, Previous Deficit Reduced
The state government also claims that revenue has increased after the implementation of the new policy. The revenue deficit incurred during the previous YSRCP regime is now gradually being addressed. According to government figures, the difference in liquor revenue between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which was ₹4,186 crore five years ago, had increased to ₹42,762 crore by March 2025. Efforts are being made to balance this through the new policy.
Digital Payments and GPS Tracking to be Mandatory
The government's plan extends beyond just reducing prices. Digital payments will now be mandatory at liquor stores across the state. Furthermore, the entire supply chain will be tracked using AI and GPS to eliminate counterfeit liquor and illegal supply at its source.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to close down belt shops (illegal liquor stores) that are still active in the state as soon as possible and to take strict action against them.
Private Brands Replacing Government Brands
The new system has been completely revamped compared to the previous one. Where government liquor stores previously featured local brands, there is now an increased demand for quality-certified brands from private companies. This change is considered positive for both consumer safety and the government's image.
Breaking the Addiction Cycle in Lower Income Groups
The government claims that the previously available cheap, unbranded local liquor, easily accessible to lower-income groups, had fueled addiction within society. Now, with the affordability of branded liquor, not only has the quality improved, but there has also been a positive impact on consumer habits.
Chief Minister's Strictness in Review Meetings
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, review meetings have been ongoing for the past few weeks. These meetings are meticulously discussing the progress and impact of the steps taken regarding the liquor policy. Officials have also been instructed to implement this policy with complete transparency and to ensure that the general public directly benefits from it.
Allegations Against the Previous Government, Efforts to Enhance the New Government's Image
The government also states that the policy failures of the previous government had caused significant damage to the liquor business. The new government is now working to rectify this and regain the trust of the public.
Since the beginning of the financial year, several liquor-related policies in the state have been changed, and these changes are now beginning to show their impact at the ground level.
