Andhra Pradesh: Jagan Government Shuts 40 Per Cent Of Bars In State, To Achieve Total Liquor Prohibition Soon

Chief Minister (CM) YS Jaganmohan Reddy-led Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a major crackdown on liquor trade and consumption in the State, with the administration deciding on Tuesday (19 November) to close down almost 40 per cent of all bars in the State, reports Asian News International (ANI).

The development comes at a time when the number of liquor shops operational in the state have already come down by 20 per cent after CM Reddy came to power post assembly elections held earlier this year.

In a meeting of the Cabinet Secretariat, CM Reddy led administration decided to close all liquor shops in the State in a phased manner to ultimately achieve total liquor prohibition in the southern State.

Liquor supply timings have also been changed in the state. It can now be served from 11.00 am to 10.00 pm in bars and 11.00 am to 11.00 pm in star hotels.

In another related decision to reduce alcohol consumption in the State, the administration has decided to increase the liquor prices, while also decreeing that all the existing bars must be shut down by January next year.