AP ministers to review excise duty reforms and liquor policy

A high-level ministerial sub-committee on excise policy met in hybrid mode on Monday to review key reforms, revenue-raising measures and long-term policy decisions related to the Prohibition and Excise Department in Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh Excise and Mines Minister Kollu Ravindra, MSME Minister Kondapalli Srinivas, Chief Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena, Excise Commissioner Chamakuri Sridhar and Director Enforcement Rahuldev Sharma personally attended the meeting. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav and Power Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar attended virtually.

Officials detailed the existing retail excise policy and proposed reforms. The discussion focused on continuing the current liquor policy, restructuring license fee prices and rationalizing liquor stores without increasing the total number of stores. Measures aimed at improving the viability of retailers and ensuring greater transparency were also reviewed.

The subcommittee reviewed the performance of the excise sector, including retail sales, revenue growth and market trends. Ministers also examined proposals to revise beer and spirits prices in light of rising input costs, inflationary pressures and global disruptions affecting raw materials, transport and packaging.

The discussion also covered measures to strengthen the supply of beer through incentives for breweries, improving investment in infrastructure and dealing with seasonal fluctuations in demand. Proposals regarding airport liquor outlets, digital payment systems, dynamic MRP printing and separate licenses for laboratory grade liquor were also reviewed. Officials said the proposed reforms are meant to improve transparency, revenue mobilization and administrative efficiency.

Published – 25 May 2026 22:16 IST