Andhra Pradesh notifies Excise Shops Policy 2026-27, retains 3,736 liquor outlets
Andhra Pradesh has notified its Excise Shops Policy for 2026-27, maintaining 3,736 retail liquor outlets across the state. The policy introduces digital monitoring systems and specific renewal fees for existing license holders.
Why it matters
This policy update provides regulatory clarity for the state's liquor industry and introduces modern digital tracking to improve excise oversight.
The Andhra Pradesh government has notified the Excise Shops Policy 2026-27, retaining 3,736 retail liquor shops across the State for another year from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
Of the total shops, 3,396 will remain in the open category and 340 will be reserved for Geetha Kulalu, the toddy-tapping community.
Principal Secretary, Excise, Mines and Geology, Mukesh Kumar Meena issued the order after reviewing excise policies implemented between 2019 and 2024, recommendations of the Group of Ministers and the experience of the 2024-26 policy that expires on September 30.
As part of the new policy, the government has permitted renewal of existing retail liquor shop licences for a year. Licensees opting for renewal will have to pay a Renewal Retail Excise Tax (RET) equivalent to 38% of the annual RET, besides the annual RET and applicable permit-room RET. Annual RET rates for 2026-27 will remain unchanged from 2025-26.
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