The state of Andhra Pradesh is implementing a new bar policy allowing for the opening of bars in airports, excluding Tirupati. The policy, outlined in GO MS Number 275, will be in effect from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028. The aim is to create a financially sustainable and transparent framework for bar operations.
The new policy eases the requirements for establishing a bar. It removes the need for a pre-existing restaurant. Interested parties must receive a recommendation from the airport operator to proceed. Successful applicants will need to launch their bar within 15 days. The government requires a minimum of four applications for each bar to conduct a fair lottery (draw).
Bars will not be permitted in religious tourism areas under this policy. Tirupati has special regulations. Bars will not be allowed in the airport, and there will be strict rules throughout the city. The Tirupati railway station to Alipiri route (RTC bus stand, Leelamahal Circle, Nandi Circle, Vishnu Nivasam, and Srinivasam) and the Leelamahal-Nandi Circle-Alipiri-SVRR Hospital-SVIMS route will be completely alcohol-free to protect the city’s religious sanctity.
The policy includes provisions for 840 bar licenses. Additionally, 10% of the licenses are reserved for the Geeta Kulalu community, providing them an opportunity for advancement and equal rights. These reserved licenses will be eligible for a 50% discount on license fees. The license fees are determined based on the population of the area:
* Areas with a population under 50,000: ₹35 lakh
* Areas with a population between 50,001 and 5 lakh: ₹55 lakh
* Areas with a population over 5 lakh: ₹75 lakh
These fees will increase by 10% annually. Payment can be made in installments to ensure sustainable financial operations in every region. The fees can be paid in six equal installments, with a bank guarantee for one installment. The application fee is set at ₹5 lakh and a processing fee of ₹10,000.
Licenses will be granted through a public lottery (draw of lots) to ensure that the entire process is impartial and transparent. At least four applications are necessary for a bar to be included in the draw.
