AP’s New Liquor Policy Stirs Opposition From Women

Vijayawada: The new liquor police announced by the Andhra Pradesh government is facing stiff opposition from people of residential colonies, especially women.

A recent Supreme Court ruling prohibited liquor shops in less than 500 meters from the highways. Taking this into consideration, AP's new liquor policy permitted the shops to be setup closer to the residential areas. While this complied with the Supreme Court ruling, permitting them in residential areas angered women. NGOs and women's organisations were quick to extend their support to the protestors.

Kurnool and Vijayawada are proving to be the epicenter of these protests. The principal opposition party in AP, the YSR Congress Party voiced its concern over the new policy. The party's spokesperson RK Roja stated that incidence of crime are sure to increase due to the new policy. She strongly criticised the state government for its new policy stating that it failed to take into consideration the concerns of the people.

The state government has approved 204 wine shops and 45 bars in Kurnool district alone. Licenses have been issued to 59 traders so far. But following the protests, these traders are hesitant to open the shops.