Poor demand for liquor licences brews trouble for excise wing
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The efforts by state excise department officials in calling for applications for the 893 liquor shops awaiting allotment in the state has once again met with poor response, with only 128 applications filed before the deadline. Out of 6596 liquor shops across the state, only 5703 applications were received in the first attempt and were issued licences by the department. No more applications were received for the remaining 893 shops, which forced the department to call for fresh applications before July 2. Only 128 applications were received and 665 allotments still remain.
With poor response once again, the excise department is now mulling whether to go for another notification for fresh applications or hand over the shops to AP Beverages Corporation. Sources say the Excise department would decide the future course of action after deliberation with the Chief Minister. In the event the Corporation runs the shops, a minimum of 3200 employees would be required to be employed, which will further burden it.
A top excise official, on condition of anonymity, told this correspondent that the government may direct the department to go for a third call. It is said that there was no demand for these liquor shops as the price, based on the local population, was comparatively much higher than the earlier prices which were low thanks to the syndicate.
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