Andhra Pradesh Excise Department Issues Orders on New Liquor Bottle Sizes
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced two significant decisions related to liquor sales, including the introduction of new liquor bottle sizes and restrictions on liquor brand advertisements near retail outlets. The latest update is expected to impact liquor retail operations across the state and strengthen regulatory oversight by the Excise Department.
In a move aimed at expanding packaging options, the government has approved the introduction of 150 ml and 200 ml liquor bottles in the Andhra Pradesh market. At the same time, authorities have directed liquor shops and bars to remove brand-specific boards, flex banners, and hoardings displayed outside their premises.
New Liquor Bottle Sizes Approved in Andhra Pradesh
At present, liquor is available in bottle sizes of 90 ml, 180 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml and 1,000 ml across Andhra Pradesh. Liquor supply companies recently proposed the introduction of 150 ml and 200 ml bottles, following which the Excise Department made necessary amendments to the existing rules.
According to official orders issued by Excise Department Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena, changes have been incorporated into the IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) regulations to facilitate the new bottle sizes.
Under the revised norms, each case will contain 45 bottles of 200 ml and 60 bottles of 150 ml. The decision is expected to provide consumers with additional purchasing options between the existing 90 ml and 180 ml categories.
Excise Department Issues Official Statement on Advertisement Ban
In another key development, Andhra Pradesh Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra has directed officials to prohibit liquor brand advertisements in the vicinity of liquor shops and bars. Following the minister's instructions, the Excise Commissioner issued orders for implementation across the state.
Authorities have instructed liquor shop and bar operators to remove existing boards, hoardings and flex banners carrying liquor brand names. The government has sought cooperation from license holders to ensure compliance with the new directives.
Officials stated that many outlets currently display signboards featuring liquor brand names alongside the names of licensed establishments. According to the department, such displays effectively promote liquor brands despite restrictions on direct liquor advertising.
Action Taken Against Indirect Liquor Brand Promotion
The Excise Department noted that liquor companies often register products such as packaged drinking water or soda under the same brand names used for alcoholic beverages. Officials alleged that large brand names are prominently displayed on boards, while references to water or soda products appear in smaller print.
According to the department, this practice enables indirect promotion of liquor brands near retail outlets and bars. As part of the action taken, authorities have now ordered the removal of such promotional materials.
The government has reiterated that liquor brand promotion is not permitted under existing regulations and has directed all stakeholders to follow the updated guidelines.
Andhra Pradesh Liquor Policy Latest Update
The Andhra Pradesh liquor policy has witnessed another important update with the approval of new liquor bottle sizes and stricter enforcement against brand advertising. The Excise Department has maintained that these measures are intended to regulate liquor sales and ensure compliance with existing norms.
Officials have urged liquor shop owners and bar managements across the state to cooperate with the implementation process. The latest update is expected to bring operational changes for retailers while reinforcing regulatory controls under the state's liquor policy framework.