Andhra Pradesh is all set to go the 'brewery' way as it has decided to promote hundreds of beer and wine bars as part of a new excise policy that will see regular bars pay a higher license fee.

With this move, the state hopes to curb high consumption rates of hard liquor.

“Low alcohol drinks, including wine and beer will be made available at the bars.This will be one of the ways of controlling the consumption of hard drinks,“ Srinivas Srinaresh, excise commissioner, told the Times of India.

The state will also offer concessions to beer outlets in smaller towns to attract investments. It also plans to increase the license fee for a regular bar to Rs 40 lakh for two years.

The excise department which proposed a 10% hike in the license fee of bars is also planning to ensure ensure better infrastructre and facilities at the bars.

The new excise policy will come into effect from next month.