Telangana Plans Statewide Beer Cafes to Boost Liquor Revenue
Telangana to open beer cafes across the state, starting with 100 in HMDA, aiming to generate Rs 60,000 crore for welfare schemes.
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Telangana is charting out a large-scale rollout of beer cafes as part of a broader strategy to increase liquor-generated income, with government estimates targeting Rs 60,000 crore in revenue to sustain its welfare initiatives.
The proposal, which is under serious consideration by the Revanth Reddy-led administration, includes establishing one beer café for every 13,000 citizens across the state. The plan starts with a pilot phase inside the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) limits, where 100 outlets are slated to open.
These beer cafes, expected to function similarly to quick-service spots, are being positioned as a more regulated and state-monitored alternative to unlicensed consumption. Officials indicated that this approach could potentially formalize the alcohol retail market further while controlling public drinking behavior.
Sources familiar with the plan revealed that the state views liquor revenue as a crucial pillar for funding flagship free schemes. With Telangana’s social welfare commitments expanding, the finance department has reportedly been tasked with aggressively tapping high-yield sources, among which beer retail is a key component.
Revenue officials stated that beer, as a popular and relatively low-alcohol option, presents the ideal commodity to widen alcohol access without escalating enforcement challenges. The move is also intended to channel informal consumption into structured revenue streams.
The scheme is expected to be rolled out in stages, with urban and semi-urban regions prioritized based on population density and existing liquor sales data. Discussions are ongoing regarding operational models, including public-private partnerships and direct state control.
Meanwhile, industry analysts have noted that Telangana's per capita alcohol consumption continues to grow, particularly among younger demographics. The introduction of government-backed beer cafes could significantly alter the beverage retail landscape, they added.
