Telangana is currently experiencing an extraordinary rush for liquor shop licenses, with a staggering 5,663 applications already filed for a mere 2,620 available retail outlets across the state. This intense competition underscores a significant demand within the sector.
In response to the escalating volume, Excise Commissioner C. Harikiran is actively overseeing the application process. To manage the growing crowds and ensure a smoother experience for all applicants as the deadline approaches, officials have been instructed to set up additional counters in key areas, including Rangareddy, Hyderabad, and other joint district divisions.
This year’s application figures are poised to eclipse previous records. The department noted that over the past two years, they received 1.32 lakh applications, and expectations are high for this number to be surpassed. Interestingly, a considerable portion of the interest is also coming from traders and entrepreneurs in neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, highlighting Telangana’s attractiveness for liquor business.
As of October 12, the breakdown of applications reveals specific trends: 671 applications have been designated for shops reserved for the Goud community, 202 for Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved shops, and 84 for Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved shops, with the remaining 46 falling under the general category.
A district-wise analysis shows Rangareddy leading the charge with an impressive 2,353 applications. Following closely are Hyderabad with 746 applications, Nalgonda with 568, Medak with 411, Karimnagar with 392, Khammam with 260, Mahabubnagar with 278, Warangal with 258, Nizamabad with 255, and Adilabad concluding the list with 142 applications.