Rajgopal Reddy issues liquor guidelines, surprises Congress government and Excise officials

Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy has issued his own set of liquor shop guidelines, instructing applicants to operate shops only from 4 pm to 9 pm, outside villages, and banning permit rooms and belt shops. The move has surprised the Congress government and Excise officials, who are closely watching the licensing process.

Hyderabad: In a move that has surprised many, Munugode MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy has issued his own set of “guidelines” for liquor shop operations in the constituency, leaving Excise department officials puzzled.

Already facing a lukewarm response from applicants for new liquor shop licences across the State, the Excise department was taken aback by the MLA’s directions, which effectively impose restrictions beyond official norms.

---

In a post on X, Rajgopal Reddy instructed applicants bidding for licences in Munugode to operate shops only between 4 pm and 9 pm and to establish them outside villages. He said no permit rooms should be allowed, liquor should not be sold to belt shops, and no syndicate of applicants should be formed.

“My aim is to ensure people’s health and improve their living standards, eradicate belt shops, and empower women,” Rajgopal Reddy said.

He clarified that his move was not intended to trouble applicants but to ensure the welfare of people in the constituency, particularly the youth, by curbing alcohol addiction and promoting economic progress.

The last date for filing applications for liquor shop licences is Saturday, and Excise officials in the constituency are said to be keeping their fingers crossed following the MLA’s directions.