Omar Abdullah Debunks New Liquor Licenses Rumor

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that no new liquor vends are being allotted. His statement countered reports of 83 new liquor licenses. The J&K Excise Policy for 2025-26 allowed e-auction of 305 existing vends, re-auctioning 34 unallocated locations. Media misinformation termed as false.

Recent rumors regarding the issuance of new liquor licenses in Jammu and Kashmir have been dispelled by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Addressing the misinformation, Abdullah emphasized that no new liquor vends are being allotted under his watch, contradicting widely spread reports.

The chief minister's statement comes amidst allegations that the government had initiated bids for 83 new liquor shops. Instead, Abdullah highlighted the continuation of the J&K Excise Policy for 2025-26. This policy involves the auctioning of pre-existing licenses, with 305 vends put up for e-auction.

Out of the initial 305, 271 locations were successfully bid for, while 34 are set for re-auction on March 17, managed by J&K Bank. The chief minister's office reaffirmed that the overall number of wine shops remains at 305, dismissing social media claims of an increase as baseless.

(With inputs from agencies.)