Hyderabad: The Telangana Wine Shops Association has urged the govt to introduce several key changes before rolling out the new liquor policy. At a recent meeting with excise minister Jupally Krishna Rao and senior officials, the association highlighted operational difficulties under the existing rules and put forth a set of proposals aimed at streamlining business practices and addressing customer needs. A major demand concerns the restriction on liquor shops being located near hospitals. The association pointed out that rapid urbanisation and the mushrooming of medical facilities have created challenges in complying with this rule. They argued that, unlike schools and religious institutions where such restrictions protect children and devotees, hospitals do not fall under the same category of vulnerability. They suggested that areas under GHMC limits be exempted, similar to earlier relaxations granted to municipal corporation areas.The association also pressed for an increase in the minimum size of permit rooms from the present 100 square metres to at least 200 square metres. It said that the current space is inadequate to handle growing demand, forcing customers onto the streets and defeating the purpose of regulated consumption zones. Another significant proposal is to allow the complete transfer of A-4 retail licences. Under the current system, buyers of licences must enter into partnerships with existing holders. The association has sought a provision for outright transfer of ownership with a one-time transfer fee, arguing that this would ensure transparency and open the market to new entrepreneurs. To ease compliance, the association recommended extending the excise year to March 2026, aligning it with the financial year. This would allow for a pro-rata licence fee adjustment and provide stability during peak business months from Dasara to Sankranti. Additionally, the association has requested a revision of the excise tax structure. It has suggested increasing the retail excise tax limit from 10 to 14 times the licence tax and including an annual retail excise tax of ₹5 lakh along with the licence tax. Through these reforms, the association hopes to create a more practical, business-friendly environment while ensuring better regulation of the retail liquor trade in Telangana.
