Visakhapatnam – The retail liquor industry in Andhra Pradesh, traditionally a male-dominated space, is now witnessing a surprising surge of women entrepreneurs. Thanks to the state government’s lottery-based allotment system for liquor shops, women from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts are increasingly entering the liquor business, marking a notable shift.
Women Leading the Charge in Liquor Allotments
The recent lottery process, aimed at introducing transparency into the liquor trade, has revealed a growing interest from women applicants. Of the government-run liquor outlets allotted, women secured 31 shops in Visakhapatnam and 25 in Anakapalli. This trend signals a changing landscape in the alcohol retail industry, where women are now actively competing with men to secure licenses.
Key Figures
- 31 liquor outlets allotted to women in Visakhapatnam
- 25 shops secured by women in Anakapalli
The government’s introduction of the lottery system not only fosters fairness but also curbs the influence of local power brokers by distributing retail licenses to a broader pool of applicants, including women.
Mixed Sentiments Around Women’s Participation
Despite the promising statistics, questions remain over how directly involved the female applicants will be in running these businesses. In many cases, there is speculation that male family members or husbands may assume operational control, following the common practice in both business and politics, where women hold positions but men run day-to-day affairs.
Women Entrepreneurs Share Their Thoughts
- Suman Kumari, a first-time liquor outlet operator from Odisha, expressed excitement despite her lack of prior experience:
“We applied for five shops and got one. Although new to the field, I wanted to try my hand at it.”
- G Suhasini, a businesswoman from Srikakulam, is confident about succeeding in her newly acquired liquor outlet in Visakhapatnam:
“I come from a business family, so I am optimistic about thriving in this space. I faced no pressure from syndicates or political figures when applying for the shop.”
A Broader Reflection of Gender Dynamics
The trend of women entering the retail liquor space mirrors broader patterns seen in local governance, where women contest elections in reserved seats, but male family members often manage political responsibilities. This raises questions about the true autonomy of women in these roles.
However, the participation of women, even in male-dominated spaces like the liquor business, marks a significant step forward. Whether they manage the outlets directly or operate through family members, their presence sends a positive message about the growing acceptance of women in diverse fields.
A Positive Shift Amid Business Challenges
The shift towards a more inclusive retail liquor landscape reflects societal progress and challenges traditional gender norms. As these women navigate the complexities of the liquor business, they also pave the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs in Andhra Pradesh.
