‘Inauspicious’ days cause dip in wine shop license applications in Adilabad

Applications for wine shop licences have declined sharply in the erstwhile Adilabad district, with many traders waiting for auspicious timings to apply. Officials expect a rise before the October 18 deadline despite higher fees and initial hesitation among new entrants

Adilabad: The wait for auspicious timings has led to a sharp fall in applications for wine shop licences in the erstwhile Adilabad district, even though the liquor trade continues to be a lucrative business.

Excise and Prohibition officials said only 259 applications had been received for 192 shops till October 14, as against 5,376 applications received across Adilabad, Nirmal, Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Mancherial districts during the 2023–25 licensing period. They attributed the poor response to applicants waiting for a favourable ‘muhurat’ to submit their applications.

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“Few applications have been received so far as applicants tend to follow horoscopes before starting a venture. For instance, Ashtami, the eighth day of a Hindu month, is considered unfavourable for beginning any project. Incidentally, there were many such days recently, preventing applicants from submitting forms,” a senior official explained.

Officials, however, expressed optimism that the number of applications would rise in the final three days, particularly on the last date, October 18. “Those who are undecided or facing a fund crunch usually submit their applications on the last day. We expect at least a five percent increase this time compared to the previous period,” the official said.

Unlike in the past, special spacious counters have been set up in all four district headquarters for the convenience of applicants, anticipating heavy turnout. Earlier, the counters were located in the offices of the Superintendents of Excise.

Meanwhile, a sharp hike in the non-refundable application fee has also dampened enthusiasm. The fee has been raised from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, and applicants lose the amount if they fail to win a licence in the draw of lots. As a result, new entrants are hesitating, while existing traders who made profits in the previous term are showing more interest, officials disclosed.

The draw of lots to decide licence holders will be held on October 23, and the new shops are scheduled to open on December 1, 2025.