Govt will implement prohibition in phases, says Minister

Visakhapatnam: Minister for Tourism M. Srinivasa Rao announced that the idea of running liquor shops by the government is only to reduce the quantum of sale.

Speaking at a training programme for wine shop supervisors and salespersons at the Zilla Parishad hall here on Friday, he said that Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy was keen on fulfilling promises made and as a part of that prohibition would be rolled out in phases.

At the same time, he said that steps should be taken to ensure the government revenue should not fall suddenly leading to a crisis like situation. Hence the government has decided to run the shops so as to gradually reduce the sale and also the consumption.

Supervisors and salesmen will be provided a salary of Rs 17,500 and Rs 15,000 respectively, the Minister said. The training programme will also encompass the do's and don'ts of the probable employees.

Joint Collector L Shiva Shankar said that candidates should be committed in maintaining records and handle business efficiently. The government liquor shops in the district would be brought down to 320 from the present 400 by next year, he stated.

The officials said that it would further come down by another 20% in the subsequent year. Like this, the quantum of consumption would be reduced gradually, they added. Minister handed over the appointment letters to the selected candidates. Visakhapatnam MP MVV Satyanarayana, among others took part.