YSRCP opposes auto-renewal of liquor shop licences in Andhra Pradesh
The YSR Congress Party is opposing the Andhra Pradesh government's plan to auto-renew liquor shop licences, arguing it causes significant revenue loss. The party is calling for a fresh lottery system to ensure transparency and maximize state income.
Why it matters
The debate highlights tensions over state revenue models and the regulation of the liquor trade in Andhra Pradesh.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Saturday opposed the proposed auto-renewal of liquor shop licences in Andhra Pradesh as it would “deprive the State exchequer of nearly ₹3,000 crore and benefit liquor syndicates.”
Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP central office, party spokesperson Putta Siva Shankar demanded that the government scrap the proposal and allot licences afresh through lottery.
Mr. Siva Shankar alleged that liquor trade had been taken over by syndicates, with belt shops and permit rooms operating without adequate checks. He also alleged that liquor was being sold above the maximum retail price (MRP) at several places, while enforcement agencies failed to act effectively.
He said that licences for 3,740 liquor shops were allotted through lottery in 2024, for which 89,582 applications had been received. The government earned about ₹1,800 crore from the non-refundable application fee alone, he said.
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