Srinagar:
The J&K Excise Policy 2024-25 which has come into effect from 1 April this year has allowed the issuance of licenses for the retail sale of liquor at tourist locations, government-owned tourist facilities, and tourism development authorities in Jammu and Kashmir besides the SMC areas.
The policy that was notified earlier allows for the retail sale of liquor at tourist locations, government-owned tourist facilities, and tourism development authorities and facilities maintained by JKTDC. The Excise Department will offer and facilitates the establishment of liquor vends in these locations, aiming to capitalize on the high revenue potential in tourist areas, the policy has said. According to the policy the licenses for retail sale at these premises are “considered based on a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned District Magistrate, a report/certificate from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and a feasibility report from the relevant Excise Officer.”
According to the policy Type B licensees are allowed to serve liquor at their ,” Rooftop/Terrace/Balcony at locations within the SMC area upon payment of an additional 50% of the annual license fee.”
“The area where liquor is served should be surrounded by a wall or strong immovable fencing of a minimum height of 6 feet to avoid visibility to the surroundings.”
Additionally, the Excise Department shall offer and facilitate the setting up of liquor vends with high revenue potential in tourist locations within the SMC area, subject to the necessary approvals and feasibility reports. Furthermore, the Excise Department has the authority to open liquor vends through e-auction.
In past few days a video has gone viral purportedly showing public consumption of alcohol by a group of tourists on a Shikara over Dal Lake evoking outrage in Kashmir Valley.