Government goes for fewer bars: CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy

Amaravati: As part of its move to implement total prohibition in a phased manner, the state government has decided to reduce the number of bars by 40 per cent and impose time restrictions for the functioning of the bars.

Briefing media after the review meeting on Excise Minister, Narayana Swamy said that it was decided that the bars will now be open from 11 am to 10 pm and food would be allowed till 11 pm. Bars in star hotels would be allowed to be open from 11 am to 11 pm. The government also proposes to increase the rates of liquor in the bars. The new policy would come into effect from January 1.

The minister said that heavy penalty would be imposed against bootleggers and non-bailable cases would be booked against them. All the bars would be closed by January and new licences would be issued on the lottery basis. Severe action would be initiated against bar owners who resort to anomalies. He said the four micro-breweries would function as usual.