Liquor Revenue in Andhra Pradesh Rises by Rs 3,000 Crore
Liquor sales in Andhra Pradesh hit Rs 28,842 crore in 2024-25, up by Rs 3,000 crore from last year. Policy changes credited for revenue surge.
image for illustrative purpose
Andhra Pradesh’s liquor revenue rose sharply in the 2024-25 financial year, contributing an additional Rs 3,000 crore to the state’s income. Official figures place the total revenue from liquor sales at Rs 28,842 crore, a marked increase from Rs 25,062 crore in 2023-24.
According to government data, liquor sales volume also saw notable growth. The number of liquor cases sold rose from 4.55 crore in 2023-24 to 4.97 crore in 2024-25, registering a 9.1 per cent increase in sales. This translated to a 14.13 per cent growth in overall excise income, pushing the contribution of liquor sales to nearly 30 per cent of the state's internal revenue.
The current coalition government has attributed the revenue hike to strategic policy changes initiated after taking office. In October 2019, the state implemented a new liquor policy, under which only government-approved brands were allowed in licensed outlets. Private vendors replaced government-run liquor shops, and popular liquor brands were reintroduced to meet consumer demand.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues to probe alleged irregularities in liquor trade between 2019 and 2024, a period under the previous YSRCP administration. Accusations include bribes totaling nearly Rs 3,000 crore annually, allegedly siphoned off through manipulation of liquor sales and distribution.
Following the policy reforms, the availability of high-demand liquor brands increased significantly across the state. The government has indicated that further measures will be taken in the 2025-28 policy framework to stabilize prices and regulate availability, with a focus on reducing unregulated consumption and tackling substance abuse. `
