The Andhra Pradesh Government allowed bar restaurants to open from the 19th of September.
After the nationwide lockdown was imposed on the 24th of March, bars and restaurants were shut in Andhra Pradesh.
After six months of closure, bars finally opened for customers, following all the protocols of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.
The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) Government allowed the bars under Unlock 4.0.
However, the directives of the State Government says, a COVID-19 fee of 20 % base license fee and non refundable charges would be levied on the bars currently in operation.
Special Chief Secretary (Commercial Taxes and Excise) Rajath Bhargava said that instructions have been issued to excise officials in all districts to allow bars to reopen once the fees are paid.
Liquor sold in bars like foreign liquor, wines, beers and other ready to drink drinks would be subject to an additional 10 % retail tax.
Bar license registration fees would also be increased by 10% and the number of liquor shops and bars would be reduced.
However, after AP Wine Dealers Association requested the State Government made some changes to non refundable registration charges.
As per the request, the Government approved the licence fee and non refundable registration charge with 10 % increase for the lockdown period from March 22, 2020 to 30th of June to be paid with future licence fee.
The license would be renewed from the 19th of September till the 30th of June 2021.
Stay tuned for further updates.
