No Fresh Licences for Wine Stores in J&K, Government Clarifies
Finance Department Says No Fresh Liquor Licences Proposed for Next Financial Year
Jammu, Feb. 7: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday told the Legislative Assembly that it has no plans to open new wine shops in the Union Territory in the upcoming financial year.
In a written reply to a query raised by MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Finance Department stated that no additional liquor licences are currently proposed. The response was presented by the minister in charge of the department.
The government also shared district-wise revenue figures from existing wine shops for the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25, indicating steady earnings across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. In the Jammu division, the district of Jammu generated over ₹48,350 in 2024 and more than ₹50,913 in 2025, while Udhampur recorded revenues exceeding ₹11,322 and ₹12,061 respectively. Other districts such as Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, and Reasi also reported consistent growth during the period.
In the Kashmir division, Srinagar led collections with revenue crossing ₹5,489 in 2024 and rising to about ₹6,557 in 2025. Districts including Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara, and Ganderbal likewise posted higher figures in the subsequent year, reflecting stable returns from licensed outlets.
Addressing concerns over irregularities, the administration clarified that it has not received any complaints regarding benami liquor licences. It added that permits are granted strictly to domiciles of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the J&K Excise Act, 1958, and the excise policy notified from time to time.
