Distillers want state control on their trade
The Andhra Pradesh Wineries and Distilleries Association has urged the state government to take over the retail liquor trade to avoid exploitation of consumers with retailers selling liquor in excess of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Speaking to mediapersons here on Friday, Niranjan Agarwal, association president and Rajeshwar Rao, joint secretary, also suggested that the price of cheap liquor be brought down to Rs35 a nib to reduce the burden on poor consumers. Retailers have been selling cheap liquor at Rs80 a nib, they said.
The association submitted a memorandum to the government which is about to finalise the new liquor policy for 2012-2014. The Cabinet sub-committee, that met a few days ago to discuss the new policy, will meet again on Saturday.
The association felt that the government could increase the number of outlets if it took over the retail trade. This would also put an end to the menace of belt shops. It suggested that the government also consider the model of Uttar Pradesh where retail operations could be entrusted to a BPO area wise, covering 50-100 outlets.
A member of the sub committee, excise minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana who submitted his resignation, will be replaced by minister K. Parthasarathy.
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