VIJAYAWADA, Sep 28: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Excise K Narayana Swamy said that the government would open 3,500 liquor sales outlets across the State under its new excise policy which come into effect from October 1.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, he said that as part of implementing complete prohibition, the government would sale liquor at the 3,500 liquor sales outlets.
He said that 475 outlets had already been opened last month across the State.
The AP Beverages Corporation Limited (APBCL) was entrusted the responsibility of running the 3500 liquor sales outlets, the Minister informed, adding that the sale of liquor at the outlets would be carried out from 10 AM to 9 PM. As many as 3500 supervisors and 8033 salesmen were appointed to work at the liquor outlets.
He explained that the APBCL had taken 3448 liquor shops on hire basis.
Mr Narayana Swamy, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, said that the government is committed to implement complete prohibition of liquor in the state to remove the problems, being faced by women in the State.
Taking a dig at the erstwhile Chandrababu Naidu headed TDP government, the Minister said the then government had formulated liquor policy in a manner that would fetch huge money. As many as 43,000 illegal liquor sales outlets, which were called as belt liquor shops, opened in the TDP government to sell liquor.
After Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy assumed office as Chief Minister, all the illegal belt liquor shops were closed, he said, adding that 2,872 cases were registered and 2,928 persons were arrested for selling liquor illegally.
Mr Narayana Swamy said that the government had oppressed the brewing and sale of country made liquor. As many as 2,834 persons were arrested and 4,788 cases were registered for selling illicit liquor, by the new YSRCP government, he informed.
He said that 18 boarded mobile patrolling parties were being set up and 31 inter-state border check-posts are working now to curb the illegal import of liquor from other States.
The Excise Minister said that proposals were sent for the recruitment of 678 excise constables to which the Chief Minister responded favourably.
The government is setting up de-addiction centres in all the government hospitals in order to reform the habitual drinkers, who addicted to liquor.
Mr Narayana Swamy said that officials were directed to take steps to ensure that liquor shops and bars should not be located near to school and temples.
Excise Commissioner M M Nayak, Enforcement Director Harikumar and AP Beverages Managing Director Vasudev Reddy were present. (UNI)
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