Omar-led Government Steers Clear of Advertising, Allotting New Liquor Vends in J&K

Srinagar: Government of Jammu and Kashmir led by Omar Abdullah on Wednesday negated advertising or allotting of any new liquor vends anywhere in Union territory.

“As per J&K Excise Policy for the year 2025-26 notified vide SO 38 dated 15th of February 2025, 305 number of vends (Wine Shops) were put to e-auction on 15.02.2025, and after the culmination of the bidding process, 271 vends got allotted through the e-auction process (conducted by J&K Bank) to the successful H1 bidders and rest of 34 locations are being put to re-auction through Public Notice issued on 07.03.2025, and the bidding process to be conducted by J&K Bank shall be completed on 17.03.2025 for these 34 vends,” reads a government communique.

“It is relevant to mention herein that the number of JKEL-2 vends (Wine Shops) remained unchanged i.e 305 since FY 2023-25 and there is no increase in any vend either in Jammu or in Kashmir. The break up of vends (Wine Shops): Jammu 291 and Kashmir 14,” reads the communique, adding “All details regarding the Excise Policy along with location of the vends (Wine Shops) etc. is available on the official website of the Excise Department.”

“Therefore the news being circulated in Social Media regarding increase in number of vends (Wine Shops) in Jammu and Kashmir is fake/baseless,” the communique further reads.

The clarification has come after a national news channel reported that Omar Abdullah led J&K government has invited fresh bids for 83 new liquor in the Union territory. (KB)