MARCH 13:The Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department has strongly refuted news circulating on various social media platforms regarding an increase in the number of liquor vends (wine shops) in the region. In a statement issued today, the department described the reports as “fake” and “baseless,” clarifying that there has been no change in the number of wine shops in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the official communication, the J&K Excise Policy for the year 2025-26, which was notified through SO 38 on 15th February 2025, initially put 305 liquor vends up for e-auction. The auction process, which was carried out by J&K Bank, concluded with the successful allotment of 271 vends to the highest bidders (H1). The remaining 34 locations, which did not attract successful bids, are set to be re-auctioned. A public notice for the re-auction of these 34 vends was issued on 7th March 2025, with the bidding process scheduled to be completed by 17th March 2025.
The Excise Department made it clear that despite the auctioning of these vends, the total number of liquor vends (wine shops) has remained unchanged since the fiscal year 2023-24. The total number of wine shops in the region stands at 305, which is the same as it has been for the past year. The distribution of these vends is as follows: 291 in Jammu and 14 in Kashmir. The department emphasized that there has been no increase in the number of vends, either in Jammu or Kashmir.
This clarification was issued in response to growing misinformation on social media, where some reports had incorrectly suggested that the number of liquor vends had increased in Jammu and Kashmir. The Excise Department reiterated that the policy was designed to ensure a fair and transparent allocation of licenses for wine shops through a formal e-auction process, and there was no intent to increase the number of outlets beyond the existing limit.
In the statement, the department urged the public and media to verify information from official sources to avoid the spread of misleading content. It also assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that all steps are being taken to regulate the distribution of alcohol in a controlled and systematic manner, adhering to the policies set out by the government.
The Excise Department’s clear communication aims to dispel any confusion surrounding the issue and reaffirm its commitment to maintaining transparency in the allocation of liquor vends.
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