The new Government formed by Jagan is selling the liquor from today. But the prices have been hiked and it came as a surprise to the consumers. The price rise is from Rs 10 to Rs 250 depending upon the quantity of the liquor.
The timings of sale of the liquor have also been reduced. The sale starts from 11 am in the 3500 designated shops decided by the Government. Jagan is contemplating to introduce prohibition in a phased manner.
Excise income by liquor sales has been the main income for many Governments. Earlier the AP Government could not sustain after introducing the prohibition.
But it has to be seen how far the Government will be able to restrict the belt shops in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Several decisions taken by the AP Government have boomeranged and it has to be seen what happens to the liquor sale in the near future.
The liquor consumers have already started opposing the move of the Government in raising the prices. Some of them branded it as the gift for Dasara. The liquor sales go up for the festival of Dasara in the Telugu states.
The price rise will not deter the buyers from the consumption of the liquor. It will take some time for the real picture to emerge. It has to be seen how long the Government would continue to sell the liquor.
