Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Andhra Pradesh halts liquor shop renewal extensions, opens fresh applications
Andhra Pradesh has ended the extension period for liquor shop renewals, inviting fresh applications from September 24. Of 3,650 notified shops, nearly 80 percent have completed payments, with remaining applicants to be selected through a lottery process.
LSN India ·
The Andhra Pradesh government has discontinued granting extensions for liquor shop renewals and opened the application window for fresh permits starting Thursday, September 24. The move comes after the deadline for existing shop owners to settle their fees, with 2,906 of the 3,650 notified establishments having paid their dues in full or partial installments.
Applications for the remaining liquor retail outlets will be accepted from September 24 through October 1. The state authorities will conduct a draw of lots on October 5 to allocate the available shop licenses among successful applicants.
The decision to cease extension grants marks a shift in the state's approach to managing the alcoholic beverages retail sector. By inviting fresh applications, the government aims to streamline the licensing process and ensure compliance with renewal deadlines.
Shop owners who failed to meet the previous deadline now have an opportunity to reapply through the open window. The lottery-based allocation system is intended to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution of retail permits among competing applicants.