📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Arjunaraoc
Politics
Andhra Pradesh Makes Permit Rooms Mandatory for Liquor Shops in 2026‑27 Policy
✍️ The South First
🗓 13 Sep 2026, 04:34 AM
👁 8
The 2026‑27 Andhra Pradesh liquor policy mandates permit rooms for all outlets and offers renewal options to existing shops.
The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled its liquor policy for the fiscal year 2026‑27, introducing a key requirement that every licensed outlet must maintain a dedicated permit room. The move aims to tighten regulatory oversight and curb illegal sales by ensuring that all licensing documents are stored in a controlled environment.
Under the new rules, the permit room must be a separate, secure space within the premises, accessible only to authorized personnel. Shop owners are required to submit floor plans and obtain clearance before the policy takes effect.
Existing liquor retailers will be given a renewal window to comply with the mandate, allowing them to upgrade their premises without losing their licences. The government has indicated that shops failing to meet the criteria may face penalties or licence suspension.
Industry observers expect the policy to standardise compliance across the state and potentially increase revenue for the excise department, while also addressing concerns about unregulated sales in informal outlets.
Under the new rules, the permit room must be a separate, secure space within the premises, accessible only to authorized personnel. Shop owners are required to submit floor plans and obtain clearance before the policy takes effect.
Existing liquor retailers will be given a renewal window to comply with the mandate, allowing them to upgrade their premises without losing their licences. The government has indicated that shops failing to meet the criteria may face penalties or licence suspension.
Industry observers expect the policy to standardise compliance across the state and potentially increase revenue for the excise department, while also addressing concerns about unregulated sales in informal outlets.