(Image source from: Abplive.com)

Record liquor sale in Telugu states for New Year:- In the month of December, liquor sales in Telangana experienced a significant rise, reaching unprecedented levels. On New Year's Eve alone, a remarkable surge in alcohol consumption was observed, with liquor worth Rs. 172 crore being sold. The sales figures included 1.76 lakh cases of liquor and 1.66 lakh cases of beer. Among the districts, Ranga Reddy reported the highest liquor sales with Rs. 42.26 crore, followed by Warangal with Rs. 24.78 crore and Hyderabad with Rs. 23.13 crore.

Officials revealed that liquor sales for the entire month of December set a new record at Rs. 3,459 crore, with a consumption of 40 lakh cases of liquor and 34 lakh cases of beer. Throughout 2021, the total liquor sales in Telangana amounted to Rs. 30,222 crores. The surge in sales was attributed by the excise department to the extended operating hours of liquor shops and the late-night opening of bars, which resulted in increased consumption. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, liquor sales on a single day reached Rs. 124.10 crores, bolstered by the extension of operating hours and late-night bar openings. The consumption figures reported by the excise department included 1,36,124 cases of liquor and 53,482 cases of beer.

The economic viability of the government in both Telugu states is closely tied to the thriving liquor industry, even though there are ongoing discussions about the potential negative effects on public health and the government's responsibility in regulating this sector. The diverse range of alcohol brands and the resulting financial gains have underscored the vital role that alcohol plays in sustaining the government's finances, despite reservations about its impact on people's well-being.