YSRCP leader slams illegal liquor sales, alleges shops open from 5 am; sell above MRP

Tirupati, May 19 (PTI) YSRCP leader M Gurumoorthy on Monday condemned the 'illegal' liquor sales in the city, accusing the TDP-led NDA government of allowing rampant violations under its administration.

Gurumoorthy claimed that liquor shops in the temple town are opening as early as 5 am and operating until midnight, selling alcohol at inflated prices, at least Rs 50 above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

"This NDA coalition government is looting even in Tirumala’s shadow. If this is happening here, imagine the lawlessness elsewhere," he said in a YSRCP press release, demanding immediate accountability and action from the government.

According to the Tirupati MP, YSRCP leader B Abhinay conducted a tour of Tirupati early Sunday morning to verify whether liquor shops were opening at 5 am.

“He (Abhinay) found liquor being sold above the MRP, and shops operating from as early as 5 am to midnight—violating legal time restrictions,” Gurumoorthy claimed.

He alleged the illegal liquor network tarnishes "Tirupati’s sanctity and reflects a breakdown in governance".

Meanwhile, an Excise Department official stated that workers at liquor shops may be engaging in these violations, while licensed owners, who pay significant amounts for permits, generally avoid such risks due to the fear of penalties.

“We acted against one such shop, but YSRCP claims 13 are involved. We are verifying each outlet and conducting frequent inspections,” the official told PTI.

A case has been registered under Section 31 of the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act.

Investigations are ongoing to identify all violators across Tirupati.

The Excise Department is collecting CCTV footage and other evidence. PTI MS STH SSK