The Telangana Government has denied having any plans to approve new elite bars or increase liquor prices in the State. Excise and Prohibition Minister Jupally Krishna Rao responded to a question from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) members during the Legislative Assembly session on January 2, 2026. When asked about increasing wine shops or liquor rates, the Minister gave a clear no. The BRS members asked about the closure of so-called 'belt shops' since December 2023. The Minister stated that there is no definition of 'belt shops' in the Excise Act and no such official category exists. However, the Excise department continues to fight unauthorized liquor sales in villages as per the law. From December 1, 2023, to December 30, 2025, authorities registered 11,193 cases of illegal liquor sales. They arrested 10,871 people and seized 1.14 lakh litres of liquor and 445 vehicles. The Excise department is conducting ongoing raids and enforcement drives to stop liquor sales from unauthorized places, taking action whenever violations occur.