Amid rising demands for a liquor ban in Jammu Kashmir by political parties and religious leaders, the government has unveiled its Excise Policy 2025-26, paving the way for the opening of 200 new liquor shops across the region.
According to the policy, issued by the Finance Department led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the administration has invited bids for the establishment of more than 200 new liquor outlets in ten districts of Jammu and four districts of Kashmir. The policy will come into effect from April 1, 2025, and will remain in force until March 31, 2026.
“The Excise Department shall grant licenses for off-premises retail sale of liquor (JKEL-2) through e-auction in individual units for the year 2025-26 at 83 locations,” the policy document states, according to news agency KINS.
Notably, in the Kashmir Valley—where opposition to liquor sales is more vocal—the government has proposed 14 new liquor shops. These include seven municipal wards in Srinagar city, as well as tourist destinations such as Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg. Additional outlets are planned for Baramulla, Uri, and Kupwara. (KINS)
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