SRINAGAR, Mar 12: Amid mounting demands from political and religious groups for a liquor ban in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has invited bids for opening 305 new liquor shops across the union territory, including 14 in the Kashmir Valley. The move comes under the Excise Policy 2025-26, released by the finance department headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which will be in effect from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
According to the policy, the Excise Department will grant licenses for off-premises retail liquor sale (JKEL-2) through e-auction. The new liquor outlets will be spread across different regions, with the highest number of shops planned in Jammu.
The new liquor outlets will be spread across ten districts of Jammu and four districts of Kashmir, with 23 locations planned in the Excise Range covering Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, 19 in Samba, 31 in Kathua, 39 in Udhampur and Reasi, 26 in Rajouri and Poonch, 84 in the City Excise Range North, and 69 in the City Excise Range South. In Kashmir, the government has proposed 14 new liquor shops, including seven municipal wards in Srinagar and tourist destinations such as Sonamarg in Ganderbal, Pahalgam and Qazigund in Anantnag, Main Baramulla, Gulmarg and Uri in Baramulla district, and one in Kupwara.
Despite the government’s push for expansion, opposition to liquor sales remains strong. PDP leader Iltija Mufti has launched a signature campaign and staged protests, calling alcohol trade inconsistent with Kashmir’s spiritual heritage. PDP, NC, and independent legislators have also introduced bills seeking a complete ban.
The BJP and the JK Waqf Board have echoed the demand for prohibition, while traders in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk displayed posters urging tourists to avoid liquor—later removed by police.
Meanwhile, the Economic Survey Report presented in the assembly indicates that revenue from liquor sales is rising, with excise earnings projected to reach ₹2,000 crore in 2024-25 due to the government’s push for new outlets. (KDC)
