Government of Andhra Pradesh publishes Andhra Pradesh Excise (Grant of Licence of selling by Bar and conditions of licence) Rules, 2019

The State Government of Andhra Pradesh in its notification dated 25th November, 2019 has published the Andhra Pradesh Excise (Grant of Licence of selling by Bar and conditions of licence) Rules, 2019. The new rule envisaged a reduction in the number of bars in each Urban Local Body by 40% and increased the license fee, and reduced the business hours aiming to further curtail the availability of alcoholic beverages to the general public

Key Highlights from the Rules:

1. The Rules shall be applicable for grant of license to bars, conditions governing thereof and transport of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (‘IMFL’) and Foreign Liquor by such licensees.
2. Licence in Form – 2B may be granted to the establishments licensed by the local authority to serve food such as hotel or restaurant.
3. Such license shall be granted to the establishment functioning in Nagar Panchayats, Municipalities and within 2Kms from the periphery of such Municipalities (within the revenue district), Municipal Corporations and within 5Kms from the periphery of such Municipal Corporations (within the revenue district) and to 3-Star and above hotels and existing Micro Brewery licence holders.
4. Grant of prior clearance: A person intending to establish bar in star hotel or in existing micro-brewery shall submit an application in Form -1A to the commissioner of excise to get prior clearance
5. The Registration certification shall be granted in Form-BR1 and the license shall be valid for 2 years commencing from January 01 of the first year ending with December 31 of the second year, subject to payment of licence fee and non-refundable registration charge as prescribed. Provided that the licence issued on or after January 01 will be valid up to December 31 of the second year.
6. Persons not eligible for grant of Licence:
   1. Persons below the age of 21 years;
   2. Persons who are undischarged insolvents or who have been convicted of offences under the provisions of the Act or the Customs Act, 1962 or Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 or convicted under Andhra Pradesh intoxicating liquors (Prohibition of Advertisements) Act, 1978 or convicted of non-bailable offences or are habitual offenders.
   3. Persons suffering from leprosy or other contagious disease only in cases where such persons have to handle the stocks of Liquor or Beer in premises or elsewhere personally.
   4. Defaulters in the payment of excise revenue to the Government.
7. The license shall be exhibited in a conspicuous place in the licensed premises and the business hours shall be from 11 Am to 10 Pm in respect of bars and 3 star hotels which supply food is permitted to operate till 11 pm
8. The license shall maintain a brand wise account in form 7B and furnish the statement before 5^th of each month to the prohibition and an inspection book in form-8B shall be maintained

Click here to read the Notification