Naidu Proposes Goa Style Beach Shacks In Ap
Great Andhra
The Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh, which is making every effort to fill the state coffers, has come out with yet another plan to generate big revenue through liquor sales. On Thursday, the state cabinet approved draft excise policy guidelines
for the establishment of beach shacks along the state’s coastline, a move expected to facilitate the sale and consumption of liquor at select beach destinations on the lines of Goa.
A beach shack is a temporary seaside hut-like structure that serves as a casual, open-air restaurant and bar. It offers visitors a relaxed dining experience with sunbeds, drinks and fresh seafood right on the sand. Such shacks are currently popular in Goa.
The cabinet decided to introduce beach shacks on a pilot basis at two prominent coastal locations; Suryalanka Beach near Chirala and Visakhapatnam Beach.
According to the approved guidelines, two beach shacks will be established at each of the two locations in the first phase.
Based on the outcome of the pilot project, the government plans to extend the model to other identified coastal destinations across the state.
The proposed beach shacks will operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will allow visitors to consume alcoholic beverages in designated beachfront areas.
The initiative is aimed at promoting beach tourism and creating a leisure and entertainment ecosystem similar to that of Goa, which is known for its beachside hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
The cabinet’s decision effectively gives the green signal for liquor consumption at select beaches, marking a significant shift in the state’s tourism and excise policies.
While the government is positioning the initiative as a tourism-driven measure, critics have alleged that the move is intended to boost liquor sales and generate additional excise revenue.