Belt shops boom in Vizag

The city is witnessing a rapid proliferation of “belt shops” , small establishments that sell alcohol discreetly. What was once largely confined to the outskirts is now spreading into city neighborhoods, with multiple shops often operating near a single licensed liquor store.

Residents and consumer groups allege that political connections play a role in these operations, allowing some shops to operate with near impunity. Despite claims from the current TDP-led state government that strict measures are being taken, local sources say the situation remains largely unchecked.

Excise and local police officials, who are responsible for monitoring liquor sales, are accused of turning a blind eye to these belt shops. Reports suggest that they rarely file cases against operators who sell alcohol illegally, allowing the trade to continue openly in several parts of the city.

Belt shops reportedly stock branded liquor that is often unavailable in regular government liquor outlets. Some operators are alleged to divert stock from government stores or bring in alcohol from other states, selling it at inflated prices. This has created a parallel market where bottles are sold at higher rates than official outlets.

The belt shop network appears particularly active in areas such as East, Dwaraka, North, and Gajuwaka subdivisions. Many shops operate late into the night, sometimes past midnight, despite regulations that limit alcohol sales. Residents have expressed concerns that the easy availability of alcohol is leading to public disturbances, particularly among young people.

In addition to diverting local stocks, belt shop operators reportedly import branded liquor from other states, exploiting price differences to maximize profit. Authorities have occasionally apprehended such shipments, but large-scale illegal imports continue, fueling concerns about regulation and enforcement.

Women’s groups and local residents are demanding stricter monitoring of belt shops and stronger enforcement by police and excise departments. They argue that without immediate intervention, these shops could exacerbate alcohol-related issues in the city, including public nuisance, youth intoxication, and unregulated trade.

Visakhapatnam’s belt shops have grown from fringe operations into a widespread network, allegedly aided by political patronage and lax regulatory oversight. While the government claims to be acting, local communities continue to call for more decisive enforcement to curb the unregulated alcohol trade.