The Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department has debunked rumors circulating on social media about an increase in liquor vends in the Union Territory, labeling them “fake and baseless.” According to the department, the total number of wine shops, also known as JKEL-2 vends, has remained unchanged at 305 since the financial year 2023-24.
Under the J&K Excise Policy for 2025-26, 305 wine shops were put up for e-auction, with 271 vends successfully allotted to H1 bidders. The remaining 34 locations are being re-auctioned, with the bidding process set to conclude on March 17, 2025.
The current distribution of liquor vends stands at 291 in Jammu and 14 in Kashmir, with no additions in either region. Officials are urging the public to verify information from official sources, as all details regarding the Excise Policy and liquor vend locations are available on the department’s website.
