The Andhra Pradesh government has approved a new licensing policy allowing 24-hour liquor shops and bars at airports across the state, excluding Tirupati airport. Licences will be issued only on the recommendation of airport operators and after approval from the excise department. Airport bars will pay an annual excise tax of ₹25 lakh at airports handling over 20 lakh passengers and ₹15 lakh at smaller airports, while liquor shops will pay ₹1 crore annually. The policy also permits up to three service counters under each licence and will be reviewed after three years based on passenger traffic and operational performance.
