Jammu and Kashmir Government Rules Out Opening New Wine Shops in 2026–27
The Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that there are no plans to open any new wine shops in the Union Territory during the financial year 2026–27. This decision was revealed in response to a query by MLA Arjun Singh Raju, with the Finance Department stating that no new JKEL-2 liquor licences are scheduled to be issued in the upcoming financial year.
Furthermore, the government provided insights into the revenue generated by existing wine shops across different districts over the past two financial years, showcasing a consistent upward trend.
According to the data presented, Jammu district witnessed a revenue of ₹48,350.15 lakh in 2023–24, which increased to ₹50,913.93 lakh in 2024–25. Udhampur reported earnings of ₹11,322 lakh and ₹12,061.50 lakh, while Reasi recorded revenues of ₹3,371 lakh and ₹3,450.50 lakh.
In Kathua, the revenue stood at ₹10,653 lakh in 2023–24 and rose to ₹11,272 lakh in 2024–25. Samba reported revenues of ₹9,138.06 lakh and ₹9,740.15 lakh. Doda generated ₹2,353.61 lakh and ₹2,448.17 lakh, with Kishtwar bringing in ₹1,681.90 lakh and ₹1,887.59 lakh.
Ramban reported revenues of ₹2,299.95 lakh in 2023–24, which increased to ₹2,476.70 lakh in 2024–25. Rajouri recorded earnings of ₹4,806.19 lakh and ₹5,336.96 lakh, while Poonch reported revenues of ₹1,497.78 lakh and ₹1,768.92 lakh.
Within the Kashmir division, Srinagar saw a revenue of ₹5,489.67 lakh in 2023–24, which then rose to ₹6,557.66 lakh in 2024–25. Ganderbal recorded revenues of ₹223.45 lakh and ₹319.69 lakh, Baramulla ₹872.23 lakh and ₹1,139.84 lakh, Kupwara ₹415.66 lakh and ₹442.96 lakh, and Anantnag ₹1,403.50 lakh and ₹1,999.50 lakh.
Regarding concerns about illicit liquor licences, the government affirmed that no complaints have been received. It emphasized that all licences are strictly issued to J&K domiciles in compliance with the Excise Act, 1958, and the periodically notified excise policies.
It is evident from the revenue data that the existing wine shops have been contributing significantly to the state’s finances, with a clear indication of growth in various districts. The government’s stance on not opening new wine shops in the upcoming financial year reflects a strategic approach towards liquor licensing and regulation in Jammu and Kashmir.
