The government will announce its new excise policy in July, according to Excise and BC Welfare Minister Kollu Ravindra.
Speaking at a review meeting with officials from all districts on the new excise policy here on Monday, he said the policy would be finalised by June end and added that the new policy would come into force in July.
Stringent action
The Minister said the government was acting tough against belt shop organisers. So far, more than 7,800 cases had been slapped against belt shop organiers.
On an average, five to six cases of violations like selling liqour above MRP and working hours were being booked in the State, he added. More than 70 illicit distilled (ID) liquor brewers have been arrested in East Godavari and Chitttoor districts. The government will keep a tab on smuggling of illicit distilled (ID) liquor from Khammam district in Telangana State to Andhra Pradesh. There is a possibility for ID liquor to be transported illegally from neighbouring States during Pushkarams, he said. Excise Commissioner Srinivas Srinaresh, Enforcement Director E. Damodar, Additional Commissioner K L Bhaskar and Excise Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents were present.
