In a move to boost alcohol sales in the state , the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to introduce tetra packs of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and add another Rs 1,000 crore to the state coffer.
These include brands like Bagpiper, Haywards, Old Monk, Officer's Choice etc and the liquor scheme has been dubbed `Navodayam', and sells liquor in small quantities of 180 ml for Rs 45.
The Times of India reported:
The low-cost liquor will also be available in 90 ml Tetra Pak for easy sale and purchase in rural areas. The idea is to increase the liquor sale and thus earn more revenue. Excise officials estimate that the government is losing about Rs 1,500 crore due to the sale of illicit liquor and adulteration of popular brands.
This will also help the state treasury which is currently cash strapped and is facing a severe deficit.
Andhra Pradesh excise commissioner MK Meena told TOI that "Adulteration is almost impossible in Tetra Pak. The distribution is easier. There is no breakage compared to glass bottles. Normally, we charge a fee for second and third shift production based on the volume. As the Tetra Pak equipment costs more than the traditional bottling plant, we are offering the incentive."