State govt clears 24×7 liquor sales at airports

The Andhra Pradesh government just greenlit round-the-clock liquor sales at airports across the state, excluding Tirupati, marking a significant policy shift aimed at boosting tourism and state revenue. This new, dedicated excise policy allows liquor bars and retail shops to operate 24x7 within airport premises, subject to security protocols and operational requirements. This move follows recommendations from a Group of Ministers who studied similar models in other major Indian states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka, indicating a strategic effort to align Andhra Pradesh airport experience with national and international standards. The decision comes amidst the state's ambitious Andhra Pradesh Aviation Policy 2026-31, which aims to transform Andhra Pradesh into India's 'Eastern Gateway' by drastically increasing passenger traffic and improving air connectivity. The government hopes this new policy, along with recent approvals for beachside liquor sales, will enhance passenger experience, attract more visitors, and generate substantial revenue through application fees and a structured Retail Excise Tax. Going forward, airport operators will play a crucial role in recommending applicants for these licenses, which come with specific fees (e.g., ₹5 lakh for bars, ₹2 lakh for shops) and annual Retail Excise Taxes ranging from ₹15 lakh to ₹1 crore based on passenger footfall. The policy framework will be reviewed after three years to assess its effectiveness and impact on passenger numbers and operations. This initiative sets the stage for a new era of airport commerce in Andhra Pradesh, potentially influencing other states to revisit their own excise policies to keep pace with evolving travel and tourism demands.