Andhra Pradesh: As the Central government further extended the lockdown for the period of two weeks with several restrictions and relaxations, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to resume sale of liquor from its outlets from Monday, May 4.

According to Rajat Bhargava, Special Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce, the government will allow the liquor vends in the state however, the government will impose a new "prohibition tax" to discourage people from consuming alcoholic beverages. "The prohibition tax could be up to 25 per cent on the existing prices, "Rajat Bhargava said.

The entire liquor business in Andhra Pradesh is currently under the control of the state government, with the AP State Beverages Corporation operating the retail outlets.

Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Bhargava told "Liquor shops will remain open from 11 am to 7 pm across the state, except in the COVID-19 containment zones and clusters. Bars, clubs and AP Tourism Development Corporation outlets will, however, not be permitted to run the liquor business."

The official further said that in order to maintain the social distancing norms, only five customers would be allowed at a shop at a time.

While liquor sale is being resumed, the state government's policy is to discourage people from consuming liquor, Bhargava added.

The state government has permitted breweries and distilleries in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Prakasam, SPS Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa and Kurnool districts to resume production.
Andhra Pradesh has so far recorded a total of 1,525 cases of coronavirus, of whom 441 patients have recovered while 33 have lost their lives.