GO.Ms.No:20, Dt:30-09-2024 | Excise (Grant of Licence of Selling by Shop and Conditions of License) Rules, 2024

Table of Contents(toc)
GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH
ABSTRACT
Rules - The Andhra Pradesh Excise (Grant of Licence of Selling by Shop and Conditions of Licence) Rules, 2024 - Notification - Issued.
REVENUE (EXCISE) DEPARTMENT 

G.O.Ms.No.210                                                                                                                   Dated:30.09.2024

   Read the following:

1. G.O.Ms.No.372, Revenue (Ex-II) Department, dated, 22-08-2019.

2. The A.P. Ordinance No.6 of 2024, dated. 30-09-2024

3. From the Director, Prohibition & Excise, A.P., Vijayawada in C.R.No.2906/2024/CPE/E3, Dated: 30.09.2024.

* * * * *
O R D E R:
The following notification will be published in an Extra-ordinary issue of the Andhra Pradesh Gazette dated.30.09.2024.

NOTIFICATION
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 72 read with Sections 17, 28 and 29 of the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968 (Andhra Pradesh Act 17 of 1968) and Sections 6, 7 and 12 of the Andhra Pradesh (Regulation of Trade in Indian Made Foreign Liquor, Foreign Liquor) Act, 1993(Andhra Pradesh Act 15 of 1993) and in supersession of the Andhra Pradesh Excise (Grant of licence of Selling by Shop and Conditions of Licence) Rules, 2019 issued in G.O.Ms.No.372 Revenue (Ex-II) Department dated 22-08-2019, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh hereby makes the following Rules:

RULES

1. Short title, extent, commencement and application:

(i) These rules may be called the Andhra Pradesh Excise (Grant of Licence of Selling by Shop and Conditions of Licence) Rules, 2024.
(ii) They shall extend to all the areas where the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968 is in force.
(iii) They shall come into force at once.
(iv) These rules shall apply for the grant of licence for selling IMFL and FL in retail by Shop, conditions governing such licence and transport of IMFL and FL by such licence holders.

2. Definitions: -

(1) In these rules unless the context otherwise requires,

(a) "Act" means the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968 (Andhra Pradesh Act 17 of 1968).

(b) "APSBCL" means the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited.

(c) "Dry day" means a day on which no liquor shall be sold in the Licenced premises.

(d) "Geeta Kulalu" shall mean the castes specified by the BC Welfare Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh for this purpose.

(e) "Holographic Excise Adhesive Label" means the label designed and approved, printed and supplied under the supervision and control of the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise, from time to time in different forms for the purpose of its affixture to sealed bottles of different varieties and sizes containing liquor.

(f) "Foreign Liquor", referred to as "FL", means every liquor imported into India, other than the Indian Made Foreign Liquor.

(g) "Form" means a form appended to these Rules.

(h) "Government" means the State Government of Andhra Pradesh.

(i) "Highway" means a National highway or a State highway as notified by the competent authority.

(j) "Indian Made Foreign Liquor", referred to as "IMFL" means Liquor produced, manufactured or compounded in India after the manner of Gin. Brandy. Whisky or Rum imported from foreign countries and includes Wine and Beer and Milk Punch and other liquors consisting of or containing any such spirits but does not include foreign liquor.

(k) "Licence" means a licence issued under these Rules.

(l) "Licensee" means holder of such licence.

(m) "Licensing Authority" means the District Prohibition and Excise Officer of the concerned place in which the Licenced Shop is located.

(n) "Licence period" ordinarily means the period of two years commencing from 1st October of the first year to 30th September of the second year or part thereof.

(o) "Licenced premises" means premises where IMFL and FL are permitted to be sold by the Licensee.

(p) "Maximum Retail Price" (MRP) means the price indicated by the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited or any other agency authorized by the Government for declaration on each variety of label by the Manufacturers / suppliers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor or Foreign Liquor as required under Section 18 of Legal Metrology Act, 2009 read with clause (m) of Rule 2 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.

(q) "Model Store" is a Shop upgraded by a Shop Licensee on payment of prescribed Retail Excise Tax additionally with separate specifications providing customer entry into the store for selection of IMFL & FL and liquor related accessories.

(r) "Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Nagara Panchayat or Mandal" shall mean Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Nagara Panchayat or Mandal as defined in the latest Census.

(s) "Permit" means a permit issued under these rules.

(t) "Population" means the figure of population as officially published in the latest census.

(u) "Retail Excise Tax" means the annual Retail Excise Tax as notified by the Government from time to time and includes proportionate Retail Excise Tax.

(v) "Scheduled Areas" means the Scheduled Areas notified under paragraph 6 of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

(w) "Shop" means a privilege granted under these rules for sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor or Foreign Liquor in sealed or capsuled bottles or packages or tins to an individual in quantities not exceeding the limits as prescribed without permitting consumption on the Licenced premises.

(x) "Sealed" in relation to the bottles, containers or other receptacles means closed with a capsule and wrapped by wire or closed with a cork or lid and Wrapped with a lining around it.

(y) "Transport Permit" means a permit issued by the competent officer for transport of IMFL and FL from the A.P.S.B.C.L. Depot to the Licenced premises.

 

(2) The words and expressions used but not defined in these rules shall have the same meanings assigned to them in the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968 and Andhra Pradesh Excise (Import, Export and Transport of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and Foreign Liquor - Permits) Rules, 2005.


3. Grant of right to sell Indian Made Foreign Liquor and Foreign Liquor: -

(1) Subject to the provisions of these rules, the right to sell IMFL and FL in retail by Shop shall ordinarily be granted by way of licence issued after publishing a notification and inviting applications from the public.

 

(2) In the case of Shops located in Scheduled Areas, the right to sell IMFL and FL in retail by Shop shall be granted to local Scheduled Tribe candidates and in case there is no such applicant available it shall be granted to any other Scheduled Tribe candidate.

 

Provided that no Shop licence shall be issued in the Schedule Areas unless the Grama Sabha concerned gives its consent or is deemed to have given its consent to grant such licence to establish the Shop(s).

 

Explanation:

For the purpose of this proviso, a Grama Sabha shall be deemed to have given its consent to establish the Shop(s), if it fails to indicate its consent or otherwise for establishment of the Shop(s) in village concerned within (4) weeks of seeking the same.

 

(3) The Government by notification may reserve Shops for allotment to "Geeta Kulalu" and prescribe separate procedure and guidelines for disposal of such Shops.


4. Establishment of Shops:

Subject to such directions, which the Government may issue in this regard from time to time, the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise, having due regard to the requirement, public order, health, safety and other factors as he thinks fit, may fix the number of Shops to be established in a Mandal / Nagar Panchayat / Municipality / Municipal Corporation before the publication of notification under Rule 5 and may relocate any un-disposed Shop(s) anywhere in the State as he thinks fit.

5. Notification in the District Gazette: -

Where it is proposed to grant Licence to sell IMFL and FL by Shop, the Licensing Authority may call for applications for grant of Licences in the Mandal / Nagar Panchayat / Municipality / Municipal Corporation, as approved by the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise, by issuing a notification in the District Gazette at least (7) seven days in advance of the date of selection containing the following particulars, namely: -
 

(i) Serial number and name of the Mandal / Nagar Panchayat / Municipality / Municipal corporation where the Shop(s) will be established.

(ii) In the case of Shops to be located in Scheduled Areas, the same shall be separately listed and numbered serially.

(iii) The place of selection with time and date.

(iv) The last date, time and place for receipt of applications.

(v) The period of licence.

(vi) Procedure of online / offline enrolment by the applicant(s) for registration and submission of applications.

(vii) Any other matter which may be considered by the licensing authority necessary for information to the applicants.


6. Entry Pass: -

No person other than the officers on duty and persons duly authorized by the District Collector shall enter the place of selection without presenting an Entry pass in Form E-1, which is system generated and signed by authorized signatory and issued to the applicants who have already registered and filed applications, duly affixing his passport size photo.

7. Persons not eligible to participate in the process of selection of applicants:

The following persons shall not be eligible to participate in the selection process, namely: -

(a) A person who is below the age of 21 years.

(b)A person who has been convicted of any offences specified in clause(d) of subsection (1) of Section 31 of the Act in respect of which he has been penalized or convicted within the preceding ten years;

(c) A person who has been convicted or whose licence has been cancelled for breach of any of the conditions of licence granted under Section 31 of the Act within the preceding ten years;

(d)A person who has been held guilty either in a departmental proceeding or in a Court, of an offence under Section 37 or 37-A of the Act for adulteration of toddy by mixing any article injurious to public health or otherwise within the preceding ten years.

(e)A person who is a defaulter of excise revenue; or

(f) A person who is adjudged as an insolvent by a competent Court


8. Impersonation in filing applications not allowed:

No person shall submit application on behalf of any other person unless He holds a power of attorney from such person.

9. Disqualifications: -

(1) No licence shall be granted to a person who is found ineligible under Rule 7.

 

(2) If any person, who is disqualified under this rule, is found to be holding a licence, the licence shall be withdrawn in accordance with Section 32 of the Act and the Shop shall be re-notified / re-allotted for grant of fresh licence.

 

Provided that if such disqualification comes to the notice of the licensing authority before the licence is granted but after the selection process is completed, the selection authority shall conduct the selection process afresh after eliminating the disqualified applicant.


10. Officers authorized to conduct the selection process:

The Collector shall be the Selection Authority to conduct the process of selection of applicants for grant of licence.

Provided that the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise may, in his discretion, authorize the Deputy Commissioner of Prohibition & Excise or any other officer of the Prohibition and Excise Department, not below the rank of a District Prohibition and Excise Officer, to conduct the selection process.

Provided further that the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise may authorize any Collector to conduct the selection process in more than one district.


11. Submission of applications for enrolment for registration and selection for grant of licence: -

(1)

(a)The applicant may submit any number of applications for any number of Shops for participation in the selection process of Shop through online or offline mode.

 

(b) Online model: In case the applicant opts for online mode for registration and submission of application through online mode, He shall fill in Form-A3(A) as per Rule 11 of Andhra Pradesh Excise (Grant of licence of selling by Shop and conditions of licence) Rules, 2024. He shall select Gazette SI.No of the Shop notified in a Unit (Municipal Corporation/ Municipality /Nagar Panchayat / Mandal) and pay the Non-refundable application fee of Rs 2,00,000/- by way of Debit Card/Credit card/Net Banking. On successful payment, the applicant may download the documents in Form- A3(B), Registration certificate in Form-Rl and Entry Pass in Form-El, which are system generated.

 

(c) Hybrid Model: In case the applicant opts for on line mode for registration and submission of application through online mode, he shall fill in Form-A3(A) as per Rule 11 of Andhra Pradesh Excise (Grant of licence of selling by Shop and conditions of licence) Rules, 2024. He shall select the Gazette SI.No of the Shop notified in a Unit (Municipal Corporation / Municipality / Nagar Panchayat / Mandal) and select the payment mode as manual in CFMS. He shall take system generated e-challan number and proceed to any State Bank of India (SBI) branch and make payment of Rs 2,00,000/- towards Non-refundable application fee against the system generated e-challan number (transaction number). After successful payment, application will be confirmed by the System as completed and he can download Form- A3(B), Form-Rl and Entry Pass in Form-El, which are system generated.

 

(d) Offline Model: In case the applicant opts for offline mode for registration and submission of application through offline mode, he shall fill in Form-A3(A) as per Rule 11 of Andhra Pradesh Excise (Grant of licence of selling by Shop and conditions of licence) Rules, 2024. He shall select the Gazette SI. No of the Shop notified in a Unit (Municipal Corporation / Municipality / Nagar Panchayat / Mandal) and select the payment mode as offline. He shall pay Rs. 2 Lakhs towards Non-Refundable Application Fee by way of Demand Draft drawn on a scheduled bank in Andhra Pradesh in favour of the licensing authority. He shall enter the Demand Draft number in the system. He shall note the application number which is system generated and needs to go to Designated Center as per gazette notification and submit the Demand Draft in original. After successful acknowledgement on payment, he can download Form-A3(B), Form-Rl and Entry Pass in Form-El, which are system generated.

 

In complete offline mode, the Applicant can also directly go the notified Application Reception Centers (Excise Station in the District) with his details. The staff on duty at the counter will digitize the application after receiving of the DD drawn as specified above and after verifying the DD, acknowledgement, Entry pass and other system generated documents will be printed and provided to the Applicant. SHOs of the concerned station will be responsible to receive genuine DDs and safely hold till these are transmitted to Licensing Authority.

 

(2) The applicant(s) shall also enclose the following along with the application:

 

(i) Two recent passport size photographs along with photostat copy of Voter ID Card / Driving Licence / Passport / Bank Passbook / AADHAR card / Any other government approved Identity Card.

 

(ii) Scheduled Tribe Certificate and local Scheduled Area Residence Certificate (only in respect of local S.T. candidates applying for Shops in Scheduled Areas).

(iii) Caste Certificate and Residence Certificate in respect of applicants filing applications for the Shops reserved under Sub-Rule (3) of Rule 3.

 

(3) The online / offline modes of registrations and submission of applications referred to above shall be specified in the District Gazette concerned along with details of Designated Centers and the applicants shall follow the procedure prescribed therein.

 

(4) The Authorised Authority after due verification of the documents submitted by the applicant as laid down under sub-Rule (2) may issue Registration Certificate in Form-Rl (system-generated) and Entry Pass in Form- El (system-generated) to the applicant in Off-line mode.

 

(5) The applications not accompanied by the relevant documents / enclosures specified under sub-rule (2) shall be forthwith rejected by the Selection Authority.

 

(6) Every application shall be taken into consideration if it is presented on or before the prescribed date and time and no application shall be received after the prescribed date and time notified by the Licensing Authority.

 

(7) The selection process shall be taken up at the place, time and date notified in the presence of the applicants who are available at the time of selection.

 

Provided that if the District Collector considers that the selection process should be postponed to a future date / time or shifted to a different venue for any reason he may do so by recording the reasons there-for and after notifying the same to the applicants.
 
(8)

(a)The selection process shall be taken up Shop-wise, as notified in the District Gazette.

 

Provided that the Commissioner may, for sufficient reason(s) to be recorded in writing, withdraw any Shop from the selection process before the same is commenced.

 

(b) At the commencement of the selection process, the Licensing Authority shall first announce the names of persons and the number of persons who have filed applications for a particular Shop.

 

(c) Where there is only one application for a Shop, if the Licensing Authority is satisfied that the applicant is eligible for grant of licence and that the statutory requirements have been fulfilled, he shall collect the Retail Excise Tax in the manner provided therefor and grant the licence or if not so satisfied, reject the application after recording the reasons therefor.

 

(d) Where there are more than one application for a Notified Shop, the selection among the eligible applicants for grant of licence shall be by drawl of LOT by the Collector, irrespective of the presence of the applicants.

 

(e) The Collector, after selecting the applicant in respect of a Shop, may continue drawl of lots and select two more applicants from among the remaining applicants as reserve applicants, the first and the second who may, subject to the provisions of these rules, be allotted the Shop in the order of selection, in case the selected applicant fails to comply with the conditions laid down under these rules.

 

(f) There shall be no restriction on the number of Shop licences a person can hold at a time.

 

(g) The successful applicant shall sign his name or affix his thumb impression against the relevant entry in the register maintained for the purpose.

 

(9) The District Collector may, by order, reject any application on the ground that the applicant has indulged in impersonation referred to under Rule-8.


12. Removal of certain persons from the place of selection: -

When it comes to the notice of District Collector that any person at the place of selection and during the time of selection behaves or acts in a disorderly or riotous manner or in such other manner as it is likely to cause loss to the Government or forbids any person from participating, the District Collector may cause his removal from the place of selection.

13. Signature in the Register: -

Every applicant, who has been selected for the grant of licence, shall sign his name or affix his thumb-impression against the relevant entry in the register maintained for the purpose. The District Collector shall also obtain the signatures of Reserve Applicants selected under Rule 11(8) (e) and the remaining applicants in separate registers maintained for the purpose.

14. Selected applicant shall obtain licence: -

The selected applicant shall obtain Licence in Form A-4 after fulfilling the required formalities and satisfying the rules in respect of the premises where the Shop will be located.

15. Retail Excise Tax for Shops, mode of levying and method of payment:

(1) The annual Retail Excise Tax for the Shop licence (A-4) shall be levied on the basis of population and at the rates notified by the Government from time to time.

 

Provided that the Government may by notification, levy the annual Retail Excise Tax at reduced rates for the Shop licence(s) issued in respect of Shop(s) reserved for "Geeta Kulalu".

 

Provided further that if a Shop cannot be disposed of even after the commencement of the licence period and upto 31st October, the annual Retail Excise Tax shall be reduced so as to be proportionate to the unexpired period, part of a month being treated as a full month.

 

(2) The Licensee of a Shop shall pay the annual Retail Excise Tax for the Licence period either in one lump-sum or in six equal installments at his option.

 

(3) Where the selected applicant opts to pay the Retail Excise Tax in six equal installments, he shall pay the first installment of the annual Retail Excise Tax of the first year for the Shop on the day of selection or the succeeding bank working day by way of Challan. He shall also submit a Bank Guarantee in Form A-5, for the amount equal to one sixth of the annual Retail Excise Tax valid till the expiry of the Licence period, issued by a Scheduled Bank situated in Andhra Pradesh, within thirty days of his selection.

 

(4) The Licensee of a Shop shall remit the annual Retail Excise Tax (RET) installments (Each installment is equal to l/6th of the annual Retail Excise Tax) by way of Challan as detailed in the table given below.

Installment of RET Due Date for remittance

1st Installment on the Day of selection or on the succeeding Bank working day

2nd Installment 20th November of the 1st Year

3rd Installment 20th January of the 1st Year

4th Installment 20th March of the 1st Year

5th Installment 20th May of the 1st Year

6th Installment 20th July of the 1st Year

7th Installment 20th September of the 1st Year

8th Installment 20th November of the 2nd Year

9th Installment 20th January of the 2nd Year

10th Installment 20th March of the 2nd Year

11th Installment 20th Mav of the 2nd Year

12th Installment 20th July of the 2nd Year

 

(5) The Retail Excise Tax shall be paid into the concerned Government treasury in the district in which the Licenced premises is located.

 

(6) The Licensees of Shops, other than those situated in Municipal Corporations or cities in which Premium Stores are located, shall be permitted to upgrade their Shops to Model Stores on payment of Retail Excise Tax of Rs 5 Lakhs additionally per annum per each Shop. The District Prohibition & Excise Officer shall be the competent authority to grant such permission.

 

Provided that such permission is deemed to have been issued by the District Prohibition & Excise Officer concerned, in case such permission is not issued within (15) days of filing of application by the Licensee.

 

(7) In case the Licensee fails to remit the Retail Excise Tax instalment on the due date prescribed under sub-rule (4), he may remit the instalment amount subsequently subject to payment of penal interest as per Rules and Retail Excise Tax additionally as detailed below:

 

Within 10 days from the due 10% of the Instalment amount date

From 11th day to 20th day 20% of the Instalment amount from the due date

From 21st day to 30th day 30% of the Instalment amount from the due date

 

(8) In case of default in payment of any instalment, the Bank Guarantee amount shall be adjusted against the instalment of Retail Excise Tax and other dues.

 

(9) If a licence is surrendered in the middle of the licence period, the Bank Guarantee and the Retail Excise Tax paid shall be forfeited to the Government.


16. Re-allotment in case of failure to submit Bank Guarantee or pay the instalments due: -

(1) In case of failure to furnish the Bank Guarantee as required under Rule 15 (3) within the time specified, the selection made for the concerned Shop shall be cancelled by the District Collector and the amounts already paid shall be forfeited to the Government. In such case, the Shop may be re-allotted to the reserve applicant selected under the provisions of Rule 11(8)(e), and if no one is available, action may be taken to re-notify the Shop or take action under Rule-17 with prior permission of the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise.

 

(2) In case of failure to pay the instalments due, the licence of the Shop shall be cancelled, and the Shop shall be renotified.

 

(3) The selected applicant shall continue to be responsible for the Retail Excise Tax of that Shop till the next successful applicant takes over.


17. Sale by outlets of A.P.S.B.C.L., Corporations owned by the State Government or Co-operative Societies: -

1) The District Collector, with the approval of the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise, may permit the A.P.S.B.C.L. or Corporations owned by State Government or Co-operative societies under the Act to open outlets for the sale of IMFL and FL in such areas localities, where the privilege of sale by Shop could not be disposed of through selection or when a licence already granted is cancelled and the same could not be re-allotted for any reason.

 

2) The Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise may permit the A.P.S.B.C.L., Corporations owned by State Government or Co-operative societies to open outlets for the sale of IMFL and FL anywhere in the State whenever he deems it necessary in public interest.

 

3) The outlets opened under this rule shall sell IMFL and FL at prices not exceeding the Maximum Retail Price indicated on the labels of the bottles and issue bills to the customers accordingly.


18. Counterpart Agreement: -

After being selected, it shall be the duty of the selected applicant to execute a Counterpart Agreement in conformity with the tenor of the licence in Form A- 6 on a stamp paper of requisite value as per the provisions of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 before taking out a licence for the sale of IMFL and FL. The Counterpart Agreement shall come into force with effect from the date on which the licence is granted and remain valid till the end of the licence period.

19. Issue and commencement of licence:

Mere selection of application does not entitle the applicant or confer on him any right to commence business until the licence has actually been issued. It shall be the responsibility of the successful applicant to complete the formalities contemplated in Rule 15 within the time specified and execute the Counterpart Agreement referred to in Rule 18 and obtain a licence. If the successful applicant fails to do so his selection shall stand cancelled automatically.

20. Bar on renewal of licence: -

A Licence granted under these Rules shall not be considered for renewal after the expiry of Licence period.

21. Death of a Licensee: -

A licence issued under these rules shall be only to the persons(s) named therein and on his death the heir or legal representative may apply for continuance of the licence in his / her name to the Licensing Authority within 30 days of the death of the Licensee. If the Licensing Authority is satisfied, he may continue the licence in the name of the heir or legal representative of the deceased Licensee. In case the selected applicant dies before grant of licence, the legal heir of the selected applicant may be permitted to obtain the licence duly complying with the provisions laid down under Rules 15 and 18.

In case the legal heir of the selected applicant is not willing to obtain the licence after fulfilling the formalities prescribed under Rule 15 and 18, the Shop shall be disposed of by fresh selection process.


22. Period of the licence and commencement of business: -

Every licence shall ordinarily be valid for a period of two years commencing from 1st October of the first year to 30th September of the second year or part thereof.

Provided that a licence granted after 1st October of the licence period shall be valid for the remaining part of the licence period only.

 Provided further that a licence granted for a part of a licence period shall be for such period as may be specified by the Licensing Authority.

Provided also that every licence holder shall commence his business from the date on which the licence is granted or such other date as may be specified in the licence and shall keep the Licensed premises open every day during the hours fixed except on the dry days till the expiry of the term of licence with sufficient stock of liquor unless the closure of the Licensed premises is ordered by the Competent Authority for the period specified.


23. Licensing Authority: -

The District Prohibition and Excise Officer concerned shall be competent to issue licence once the applicant is selected by the District Collector.

The District Prohibition and Excise Officer shall issue the Licence for the retail Shop in the prescribed form A-4 after being satisfied that the premises selected is in accordance with the relevant rules.


24. Selection of Premises:

(1) Subject to the approval of the District Prohibition and Excise Officer, the selected applicant shall select suitable premises for sale of IMFL and FL within the Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Nagar Panchayat or Mandal, as the case may be, as notified in the District Gazette.

 

(2) The premises selected for Model Store shall have a minimum area of 500 sq.ft subject to a maximum area of 1000 sq.ft.

 

Provided that the Licensee of Model Store is permitted to stock and sell all liquor related accessories viz. Ice buckets, Ice tongs, Wine corks / screws, 'trays, glasses, goblets etc., from the Licensed Model Store.

 

(3) The premises shall be at least 100 meters away from the places of Public worship, Educational Institutions and Hospitals.

 

(4) No Shop for the sale of liquor shall be

    (i) situated within a distance of 500 Mts. of the outer edge of the National or State highway or of a service lane along the highway 

    (ii) visible from a National or State highway 

    (iii) directly accessible from a National or State highway.

 

 Provided that in case of areas comprised in local bodies with a population of 20,000 or less, the distance shall be 220 meters.

 

 Provided further that the restrictions under this sub-rule shall not apply to the Shops established within the Municipal areas.

 

(5) The distances referred above shall be measured in a straight line on the horizontal plane within the radius from the center point of the Shop entrance.

 

(6) No signages and advertisements of the availability of liquors shall be permitted both on national and state highways.

 

Explanation: For the purpose of this rule.

a) "Place of public worship" means a temple registered with the Endowment Department, Mosque registered with Wakf Board and Church established and managed by a registered Christian Organization/Society and includes such other religious institutions, as the State Government may by order specify in this behalf,

 

b) "Educational Institutions" means any Primary school, Middle School and High School recognized by the State Government or Central Government, Junior College or any College affiliated to any University established by law:

 

c) "High Way" means National Highway or State Highway as notified by the Competent Authority.


d) "Hospital" means any hospital which is managed or owned by a local authority, State Government or Central Government or any private hospital and having a provision of at least thirty (30) beds.

 

(7) The boundaries of the premises shall be indicated in the licence.

 

(8) There shall be a single door for entry and exit for the Licensed Shop and sales shall be conducted without giving entry to the customers inside the premises.

 

  Provided that in the case of Model Store, there may be separate doors for entry and exit and the customers may be allowed entry into the Shop for selection of IMFL and FL of their choice and other permitted liquor related accessories.


25. Transport permit: -

Transport permit may be issued authorizing movement of IMFL and FL within the State from the units of the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Ltd., to the Licensed premises. Such transport shall be governed by Andhra Pradesh Excise (Import, export and transport of IMFL and FL-Permits) Rules, 2005.

26. Sale permitted at the Licensed premises only:-

1) The Licensee shall sell liquor at the-premises only specified in the licence.

2) No change or alteration of the Licensed premises shall be made nor the Licensed premises shifted elsewhere.

Provided that shifting of the Licensed premises may be permitted by the Commissioner of Prohibition & Excise for valid reasons within the same notified Mandal / Nagar Panchayat / Municipality / Municipal Corporation, subject to conditions as may be specified and subject to payment of 1 % of annual Retail Excise Ta x without affecting the total number of Shops notified in the Mandal / Nagar Panchayat / Municipality / Municipal Corporation.

Provided that the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise may consider and permit for valid reasons shifting of the Licensed premises of Shop located in the 2 KM belt area from the periphery of a Municipality or 5 KM belt area from the periphery of a Municipal Corporation within the same belt area from the periphery of a Municipality or a Municipal Corporation only, without affecting the total number of notified Shops in the Mandal / Nagar Panchayat / Municipality / Municipal Corporation subject to conditions as may be specified by the Commissioner of Prohibition & Excise and subject to payment of 1 % of annual Retail Excise Tax.


27. Godown Licence for storage of IMFL/FL in Form A-4 (G): -

(i) The holder of the Licence in Form A4 may apply in Form A-4 (G) to obtain a godown licence for storage of IMFL & FL in Form A-4(AG) to the concerned District Prohibition and Excise Officer.

 

(ii) The godown shall be located in a revenue village/ Municipality/ Municipal Corporation limit where the Shop is located.

 

(iii) The Licensee shall remove or transfer any stock of IMFL & FL from the godown to the Shop for sale under valid transport permit issued by the Prohibition and Excise officer of the concerned Prohibition & Excise Station having jurisdiction.

 

(iv) The Licensee shall not sell or allow consumption in the Licensed premises of the godown.

 

(v) The Licensee shall not display any sign board of IMFL in the Licensed premises.

(vi) The annual Retail Excise Tax for the period of issue of godown licence shall be Rs.1,00,000/ -

Provided that a godown licence may be obtained for any period during the licence period and the Retail Excise Tax for godown licence may be paid proportionately for such period and part of month shall be reckoned as whole month.

28. Licence to be exhibited: -

The proforma licence shall be exhibited at a conspicuous place in the Licensed premises.

29. Hours of Business: -

The Licensee shall transact business from 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM only

30. Dry Days:

The Licensed premises shall be closed, and no business transacted on the following days declared as dry days: -

(i) 26th January - Republic Day

(ii) 15th August - Independence Day

(iii) 2nd October- Gandhi Jayanthi.

 

Provided that the Licensee shall not be entitled to any compensation whatsoever for the closure of the Licensed premises.


31. Licensee not to declare any person to be or not to be his partner:

No Licensee shall, except with the prior permission of the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise, get any other person included as partner to his business or get an existing partner excluded.

Provided that the Commissioner may, after such enquiry as he may deem fit, permit the Licensee at his request, to get any person(s) included as partner(s) to his business or exclude any existing partner(s) other than the original Licensee on payment of a fee of 2% of the annual Retail Excise Tax by way of challan.

Provided further that in case of Shops allotted to "Geeta Kulalu", no person other than the same "Geeta Kulalu" shall be permitted to include as partner.


32. Licensee not to stock unauthorized Indian Made Foreign Liquor and Foreign Liquor: -

The Licensee shall not stock or sell in the Licensed premises IMFL & FL of any kind which he is not authorized to buy, stock or sell under the provisions of Act or Rules, Regulations or Orders made thereunder.

33. The Licensee not to stock Indian Made Foreign Liquor or Foreign Liquor at unauthorized place:

The Licensee shall not stock IMFL & FL in any place other than the Licensed premises. The Licensee shall be held responsible for any IMFL and FL unauthorizedly kept outside or nearby the Licensed premises.

34. Licensee to sell Indian Made Foreign Liquor and Foreign Liquor of specified Strength: -

The Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise may, authorize the sale of any special brands of IMFL of weaker strength in a particular area, in a particular category of liquor, if he is satisfied with the wholesomeness or purity of such liquor.

35. Indian Made Foreign Liquor or Foreign Liquor not to be adulterated: -

The IMFL and FL offered for sale or stored in the Licensed premises shall not be substandard, deteriorated, spurious or adulterated and the Licensee shall not tamper with the IMFL and FL in any manner so as to alter their quality, strength, nature or quantity.

36. Adulterated Indian Made Foreign Liquor or Foreign Liquor to be seized: -

It shall be competent for the inspecting officer, on finding any IMFL and FL unfit for use, substandard, adulterated or spurious or in respect of which it is believed that some substance has been admixed so as to make it unfit for consumption by any process or manner, to stop it from being sold and to seize the same forthwith and take necessary further action as per rules.


37. Indian Made Foreign Liquor and Foreign Liquor shall not be given or sold to certain persons: -

No liquor shall be sold or given to the following persons namely: -

(i) Lunatics.

(ii) Persons known or believed to be in a state of drunkenness.

(iii) Persons about whom it is known or suspected that they are likely to participate in the commission of sedition, insurrection, breach of peace or any other similar offence threatening public peace and tranquillity.

(iv) Soldiers in uniform and the camp servants of military officers in their uniform.

(v) Persons below (21) years of age.


38. Bottles for sale to carry labels: -

Every bottle of IMFL or FL in a Licensed premises shall carry Holographic Excise Adhesive label on the cap of the bottle in addition to the manufacturer's label as approved by the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise.

39. Sale of only duty paid Indian Made Foreign Liquor and Foreign Liquor: -

(1) The Licensee shall sell only duty paid IMFL and FL

(2) The Licensee or his Nowkarnama holder appointed under Rule-4 shall purchase IMFL and FL from the allotted depot of the APSBCL only on such terms as may be prescribed.

Provided that the Commissioner of Prohibition & Excise may permit the Licensee to purchase the requirement of IMFL and FL from any other Depot of the APSBCL.

40. Maximum Retail Price: -

The Licensee shall sell IMFL and FL at prices not exceeding the Maximum Retail Price indicated on the labels of the bottles and issue bills to the customers accordingly.

41. Harbouring of certain persons prohibited: -

Persons, who are known or believed to have been convicted of any non-bailable offences, who are proclaimed offenders, shall not be employed nor shall they be allowed to assemble or remain in the Licensed premises and if such persons visit Licensed premises, the matter shall be forthwith reported to the nearest Police Station by the Licensee.

42. Employment of servants: -

(1) No person shall be employed for sale of IMFL and FL without the prior permission of the District Prohibition and Excise Officer and every such person whether male or female, before being employed shall obtain from the Prohibition and Excise Superintendent, a Nowkarnama in Form N-1 on payment of a fee of Rs.1000/-

 

(2) No nowkarnama shall be granted to the following persons:

(i) Persons below twenty-one years of age,

(ii) Persons of unsound mind,

(iii) Persons whose Nowkarnama or licences has previously been cancelled within the preceding ten years,

(iv) Persons convicted of any offence under the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, (Act 17 of 1968), A.P. Prohibition Act, 1995 (Act 35 of 1995) or the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (Central Act 61 of 1985) within the preceding ten years,

(v) Persons convicted under Section 482 to 489 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Central Act 45 of 1860) or under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

(vi) Defaulters in payment of amount due to the State Government under the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act or the Rules made thereunder.

 

(3) All illegal things done in connection with the transport, possession or sale of IMFL and FL or known to have been done in contravention of the provisions of the Act or the rules made thereunder by the servants of the Licensee shall forthwith be reported to the District Prohibition and Excise Officer by the Licensee and such orders regarding continuance or otherwise of such servants in service as may be issued by the District Prohibition and Excise Officer shall be carried out by Licensee.

 

(4) Every act of the authorized agent or servant shall be deemed to be an act of the Licensee.


43. Intimation to Excise Officer: -

The Excise officer of Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited depot shall mark a copy of the transport permit to the Prohibition and Excise Station officer concerned and the Station officer shall inspect and verify the consignment within 3 days of the dispatch of the stocks from the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited depot. If the consignment is not verified within the stipulated time mentioned in the rule, the Licensee can take the stocks into account and sell them.

44. Consignments to be opened only in the presence of the Excise Officer: -

The Licensee shall open the boxes or packages of all IMFL and FL received in the Licensed premises only in the presence of and after inspection by the local Excise Officer concerned or in his absence by any other Excise Officer duly authorized in this behalf.

If any box, packet, package or bottle is found doubtfully, carelessly or insufficiently sealed, the Licensee shall produce it forthwith before the Excise Officer for noting down such damages. The articles insecurely sealed or fastened may be returned by the Licensee to the consigner with the prior approval of the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise. The Commissioner may allow in such an event, replenishment of stock without fresh payment of duty. The Commissioner shall be competent to relax the application of this rule in special circumstances.


45. No breakages or losses in transit allowed: -

The Licensee shall not be entitled as against the Government, to any compensation or refund or reduction of duty for any loss in breakage while stocks are in transit.

46. Licensee to maintain accounts: -

(1) The Licensee shall maintain full and day to day accounts of IMFL and FL received and disposed of in Form R-1 the pages of which are machine numbered serially. He shall also maintain such other returns as may be required by the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise, and he shall, for each month, send monthly statements and returns before the 5th of the following month in the forms as may be fixed by the Commissioner to the District Prohibition and Excise Officer and local Prohibition and Excise Inspector. All registers should be got authenticated before use by the District Prohibition and Excise Officer.

 

(4) All Retail liquor Shops in the State shall be equipped with required systems and equipment as prescribed by Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise with full automation to update day to day transactions including reading of Holographic Excise Adhesive Labels.

 

(5) All Retail liquor shops shall install (02) CCTV Cameras in counters and inside the Licenced premises as prescribed, with linkage facility to central control room of Prohibition & Excise Department.

 

(6) The transportation of IMFL and FL from APSBCL Depots to Shops shall be carried under GPS tracking mechanism as prescribed by the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise.


47. Licensee to maintain brand-wise accounts: -

The Licensee shall also maintain in the Daily Brand-wise account in Form R-2 and furnish a statement before the 5th of each month to the District Prohibition & Excise Officer and local Proh. & Excise Inspector. The Register shall be got authenticated by the District Prohibition & Excise Officer before use and the pages machine numbered serially.

48. Entries in the daily accounts Register: -

The Licensee shall enter in the Register in Form R-1 the full particulars of Transport Permit of passes and documents or trip sheets, pertaining to the stocks received by him.

49. Statements of accounts to be furnished:

The Licensee shall furnish on requisition any statement of accounts, statistics or other particulars to the District Prohibition & Excise Officer or to any other officer of the Prohibition & Excise Department not below the rank of a Prohibition & Excise Sub-Inspector.

50. Monetary transactions with officers prohibited: -

Any kind of monetary transactions unconnected with the official purpose between the Licensee and the personnel of the Prohibition & Excise, Police, Revenue Department and the personnel of the A.P.S.B.C.L. is strictly prohibited.

51. Officers authorized to inspect premises: -

Any officer not below the rank of a Prohibition & Excise Sub-Inspector may enter and inspect the Licensed premises during the working hours and inspect and verify all the accounts, registers and stocks. It shall be competent for such inspecting officer to take such samples as might be necessary, or to take charge of such records and registers as might be necessary, and it shall be incumbent on the Licensee to offer reasonable assistance for such inspecting officers to inspect, verify and to take samples. For any records removed from the premises, the Prohibition & Excise officer should give a receipt or in the alternative make an entry in the inspection book in this regard.

52. Inspection book to be maintained: -

An inspection book in Form I-1 with machine numbered pages shall be kept in the Shop for the use of the inspecting officers, and the Licensee shall be responsible for the safe custody of it. The inspection book shall be the property of the Government and shall be handed over to the Prohibition & Excise officer concerned on expiry of the licence period.

53. Licence to be surrendered to the District Prohibition & Excise Officer on expiry: -

Every licence issued under these rules, either jointly or severally, to the Licensee (s) named therein shall, on its expiry, be deemed to have been surrendered by the Licensees to the District Prohibition & Excise Officer.

54. Licensees to abide by the provisions of the Act etc: -

Every holder of the licence under these rules shall comply promptly with all orders or directions issued from time to time under the Act, and the rules and orders made thereunder and shall abide by all the conditions of the licence / permit.

55. Suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of a licence or permit: -

A licence or permit may be suspended, cancelled or withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of Sections 31 or 32 of the Act. The Shop may be re-allotted on cancellation or withdrawal by conducting fresh selection process.

56. Stocks on cancellation of licence:

If a licence is cancelled on account of a criminal case during the currency of the licence period, the whole stock of the IMFL & FL seized from the Shop shall be confiscated.

57. Stocks on withdrawal of licence:

If a licence is withdrawn during the currency of period under sub-section (1) of Section 32 or clause (e) of sub-section (1) of Section 31 of the Act, the whole stock of the IMFL/ FL found in the Shop shall be seized and seized stock shall be sold by the District Prohibition & Excise Officer to any other Licensee and the proceeds of the sale shall after deduction of the expenses and any other sum due to the Government be refunded to the Licensee".

58. No Remission for closure: -

The Licensee shall not be entitled to remission of Retail Excise Ta x or compensation on account of closure of the Licensed premises when the same is ordered to close under Section 20 of the Act.

59. Existing Rules cease to operate: -

The AP Excise (Grant of Licence of selling by shop and conditions of Licence) 2019, shall cease to operate on the commencement of licenses granted in accordance with these Rules.

60. Removal of difficulties: -

If there is any doubt or dispute regarding the application or interpretation of any of these rules, the decision of the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise thereon shall be final.

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