‘New excise policyin AP from Oct 1

Members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee have disclosed that a new excise policy will be designed to offer quality liquor at affordable prices, with public health across the state being a key consideration. On Tuesday, Ministers Kollu Ravindra, Nadendla Manohar, Satya Kumar Yadav, and Kondapalli Srinivas, who are part of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, addressed the media at the State Secretariat.
During the conference, Mines & Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra criticised the liquor policy implemented by the previous YSRCP government, labelling it as entirely corrupt and subject to arbitrary changes. He stated that under the previous administration, state-run liquor shops promoted the ‘J’ brand while multinational brands were phased out.  
The YSRCP government, which had promised a total ban on liquor during the 2019 election, reneged on this commitment, instead selling liquor at inflated prices, driving many into debt. Poor-quality liquor under their tenure, Ravindra added, led to widespread illness, including kidney problems and paralysis. Furthermore, he alleged that YSRCP leaders took control of distilleries, diverting Rs 19,000 crore over the past five years. Many people, according to the minister, became addicted to illicit liquor, non-duty-paid liquor, ganja, and drugs.
After the coalition government assumed power, a Cabinet Sub-Committee was established, following the Chief Minister’s instructions, to draft a new liquor policy aligned with the promises made before the elections. This sub-committee undertook a comprehensive study, reviewing the best practices from six states regarding public and private liquor shops, as well as joint government-private ventures. Ravindra stated that proposals will be presented to the Cabinet tomorrow, aimed at ensuring the availability of quality liquor at reasonable prices, with liquor only being sold after undergoing 5 to 6 quality tests.
Minister Nadendla Manohar noted that feedback had been gathered from various organisations at the grassroots level, which has helped shape the new liquor policy, to be submitted to the Cabinet tomorrow.
He criticised the previous YSRCP government for enacting an excise policy that siphoned off state revenue by sharply increasing liquor prices. He highlighted that two GOs, 128 and 129, were issued on the same day, leading to an exorbitant rise in liquor prices. Under the new policy, funds will be allocated for de-addiction and counselling centres, with a focus on attracting investments and creating jobs in the state.
Minister Satya Kumar condemned the previous regime for endangering the middle class by providing inferior liquor for personal gain, resulting in the deaths of thousands. From 2014 to 2019, 36,000 cases of kidney and liver ailments were reported, while the number surged to over 56,000 from 2019 to 2024, a clear indication of poor liquor quality. He also revealed that the previous government raised a loan of Rs 13,000 crore in the name of AP Beverage Corporation.
Minister Kondapalli Srinivas added that the sub-committee visited six states, based on recommendations from department officials, to find ways to ensure the availability of quality liquor. According to SERP reports, many people have died from consuming substandard liquor over the past five years, leading to a rise in the number of widows and single women receiving pensions.