Public safety over profits: Growing demand to ban belt shops across AP

As alcohol outlets multiply near homes and schools, citizens urge the government to protect communities from the rise in alcohol-related issues.

In Andhra Pradesh, a surge in liquor shops and unregulated “belt” shops—illegal vendors operating with informal support—has sparked intense backlash from communities, with residents and advocacy groups calling for immediate government action. Recently, 3,396 new liquor shop licenses have been granted through a lottery system, prompting protests from citizens who demand strict regulations to shield families from the social and economic fallout of unrestrained alcohol sales.

Public outcry over liquor shops in residential areas

New liquor shops are now situated near densely populated neighborhoods, temples, and schools, creating an environment of unease. Women’s groups, community leaders, and local organizations are leading protests, arguing that the proximity of these shops has fostered a rise in public intoxication, domestic disputes, and increased violence. These community groups are urging the government to respect their calls to relocate liquor shops to non-residential zones and to reinforce strict guidelines on shop placement.

Belt shops and unregulated sales fuel social crisis

While licensed shops were intended to regulate alcohol distribution, contractors have allegedly partnered with belt shops to maximize profits through informal auctions and unauthorized sub-deals. These belt shops operate without oversight, leading to widespread alcohol availability. Community advocates suggest that local officials and political figures often benefit financially from these arrangements, complicating efforts to control them. As a result, belt shops are linked to mounting family debts, harassment of women, and a persistent cycle of public disorder.

Statewide demand for regulatory measures

In response, community advocates have presented a series of demands, urging the state to prioritize public safety over profit:

Restrict liquor shop locations: No liquor outlet should operate within residential areas, particularly near schools, temples, and places where women and children frequently gather.

Introduce weekly dry days: Instituting at least one dry day each week could help to reduce the social harms of alcohol consumption and give respite to affected communities.

Set up a dedicated grievance cell: A state-run department could handle complaints from residents and initiate actions against belt shops that operate unlawfully or cause public distress.

The far-reaching impact of belt shops on Andhra Pradesh communities

The unchecked growth of belt shops leads to widespread negative effects across the state:

Rising addiction rates: The easy access to alcohol fuels addiction issues, particularly among economically vulnerable families.

Endangerment of women’s safety: Many women, girls students report feeling unsafe around these establishments due to frequent disturbances, harassment, and potential confrontations.

Economic strain on families: Alcohol addiction drives many families into debt, with incomes diverted away from essential needs like food, children’s education, and healthcare.

Unified call for change from political and worker groups

Major political parties, including YSRCP and CPI(M), along with the Kallugeeta Karmika Sangham, are urging immediate government intervention to ban belt shops and prevent the establishment of liquor outlets in sensitive areas. The Kallugeeta Union alleges that around 20,000 belt shops operate statewide, adversely affecting approximately 400,000 families reliant on traditional livelihoods. Community groups emphasize that liquor sales cannot come at the cost of public safety, urging the government to reclaim control over alcohol regulation and prioritize the welfare of its people.

Despite clear warnings from the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the issue of belt shops continues to escalate unchecked, impacting rural livelihoods.

Without swift intervention, Andhra Pradesh faces an escalation in alcohol-related crises, leaving residents to bear the long-term impacts of unchecked liquor proliferation.