The Andhra Pradesh Government is set to finalise the new excise policy to regulate the liquor trade and award dealerships for the next excise year beginning July 1.

The Group of Ministers met here today, yet another in a series of interactions with various stakeholders, including retailers and producers.

They have learnt to have come to a conclusion to consider the draw of lots approach instead of awarding it to the highest bidder, as was done last time by the Government.

The policy is now being fine tuned. While the policy itself will be ready, its announcement is likely to be made only after the election process for the by-elections is completed, sources said.

The Government is not looking at the excise policy as a revenue generating process. Instead, it is keen to encourage prohibition in the State.

Last time, when retailers were chosen through the auction process, highest bidders were chosen. This meant that retailers were keen to maximise their profits and many of them sold at higher than the MRP. The State initiated a crackdown on scores of dealers.