In a major update from the Legislative Assembly, the Jammu and Kashmir Government officially confirmed that it has no plans to open new wine shops across the Union Territory in the upcoming financial year.
Responding to a question raised by MLA Arjun Singh Raju, the Finance Department stated clearly:
“As of now, no new liquor licences are proposed to be issued in Jammu and Kashmir during the next financial year.”
This announcement puts an end to speculation surrounding the expansion of liquor outlets in J&K.
Liquor sales in Jammu and Kashmir continued to rise over the last two financial years, with total revenue touching nearly ₹2,200 crore.
Liquor Revenue in Jammu Division Shows Steady Growth
While the government ruled out new licences, it released district-wise revenue data from existing wine shops for FY 2023–24 and 2024–25, revealing consistent growth in several areas.
Jammu Division Revenue Highlights:
According to official figures, cumulative liquor revenue stood at ₹1,058 crore in 2023–24 and climbed to ₹1,090 crore in 2024–25, reflecting a steady increase in collections across districts.
Jammu Leads in Liquor Revenue
Jammu district emerged as the top revenue contributor, generating:
- ₹48,350.15 lakh in 2023–24, rising to
- ₹50,913.93 lakh in 2024–25
Udhampur followed in second place, recording:
- ₹11,322 lakh in 2023–24
- ₹12,061.50 lakh in 2024–25
Several other districts also posted notable growth:
- Kathua: ₹10,653 lakh → ₹11,272 lakh
- Samba: ₹9,138.06 lakh → ₹9,740.15 lakh
- Rajouri: ₹4,806.19 lakh → ₹5,336.96 lakh
These figures indicate a gradual rise in liquor revenue across most districts, despite no increase in the number of wine shops.
Kashmir Division Records Moderate but Rising Liquor Sales
The Kashmir division also reported a noticeable uptick in revenue:
Kashmir Division Revenue Snapshot:
In the Kashmir division, liquor revenue showed moderate but consistent growth.
- Srinagar increased from ₹5,489.67 lakh in 2023–24 to ₹6,557.66 lakh in 2024–25
- Anantnag nearly touched the ₹2,000 lakh mark in 2024–25, up from ₹1,403.50 lakh the previous year
Meanwhile, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Ganderbal also recorded upward trends in collections.
- Ganderbal: ₹223.45 → ₹319.69 Lakh
- Baramulla: ₹872.23 → ₹1,139.84 Lakh
- Kupwara: ₹415.66 → ₹442.96 Lakh
Officials noted that Srinagar continues to lead liquor revenue in Kashmir, followed by Anantnag and Baramulla.
No Benami Liquor Licences in J&K, Says Government
Addressing concerns about illegal or proxy licences, the government clarified that:
- No complaints regarding benami liquor licences have been received.
- All liquor licences are issued strictly to J&K domiciles.
- The process follows the Jammu & Kashmir Excise Act, 1958 and the latest Excise Policy.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to transparency and compliance with existing laws.
The government’s decision signals a controlled excise policy—focusing on revenue from existing outlets rather than expanding wine shops. For residents, this means:
✅ No new liquor stores next year
✅ Continued regulation under J&K Excise laws
✅ Stable but closely monitored alcohol revenue
Despite growing revenue from liquor sales, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has drawn a clear line: no new wine shops will open in the next financial year. With strict licensing rules and steady income from existing outlets, the administration appears focused on balance—revenue without expansion.
