The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a draft excise policy that proposes the setting up of beach shacks along the state’s coastline, where beer and low-alcohol ready-to-drink beverages will be sold as part of a tourism promotion strategy.
The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, is aimed at boosting tourism by developing coastal leisure facilities similar to those in Goa. The proposed beach shacks are expected to be temporary structures set up along selected beaches.
As part of the initial rollout, the government plans to establish two beach shacks each at Suryalanka Beach in Bapatla district and in Visakhapatnam on a pilot basis. Officials said the model will be expanded to other coastal locations depending on tourist response.
A group of ministers, including Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra, had earlier studied beach shack models in Goa, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. District collectors from coastal regions also visited similar sites to understand operational practices.
According to officials, private agencies may be selected by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority to operate these shacks under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The facilities will be permitted to sell beer and low-alcohol beverages, but will not function like regular liquor outlets.
The government is expected to finalise licensing rules and fee structures in the coming weeks. Authorities said the initiative is focused on promoting tourism and enhancing visitor experience along the state’s coastline.
