Andhra Pradesh is set to see bars opening in its airports under a new government policy. The policy, valid from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2028, is outlined in GO MS Number 275. The primary objective of this policy is to make bar operations more financially viable and transparent. The initiative will allow bars to operate in all airports across the state, excluding Tirupati.
To open a bar, the process has been streamlined. A pre-existing restaurant is no longer a requirement. However, prospective bar owners must be recommended by the airport operator. Successful applicants will be required to commence operations within 15 days of approval. The government mandates a minimum of four applications for each bar to ensure a fair lottery process.
In line with the policy, bars are strictly prohibited in religious tourism locations. Tirupati has unique stipulations. Bars will be excluded from the airport, and strict regulations will be implemented throughout the city. This includes a complete ban on bars along the Tirupati railway station to Alipiri route (including the RTC bus stand, Leelamahal Circle, Nandi Circle, Vishnu Nivasam, and Srinivasam) and the Leelamahal-Nandi Circle-Alipiri-SVRR Hospital-SVIMS route, to maintain the city’s religious significance.
The policy has allocated a total of 840 bar licenses. A noteworthy aspect of the policy is that 10% of these licenses are reserved for the Geeta Kulalu community to encourage equal opportunities. The reserved bar licenses will also receive a 50% discount on the license fees. License fees are structured according to population:
* 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
The fees will see an annual increase of 10%. Furthermore, the government permits installment payments to promote sustainable operations. Fees can be paid in six equal installments, with a bank guarantee for one installment. The application fee is set at ₹5 lakh, along with a ₹10,000 processing fee.
All bar licenses will be granted through a public lottery to ensure a fair and transparent process. At least four applicants are needed to participate in the lottery.