Jammu, February 10, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that there is no proposal under consideration to declare the Union Territory a dry UT, even as liquor sales have generated over ₹3,450 crore in revenue over the last three financial years.
In a written reply to an Assembly question tabled by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, the government said prohibition could lead to increased smuggling from neighbouring States and UTs, growth of illegal distillation, strengthening of liquor mafias, and serious public health risks, according to news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC).
The government also cautioned that prohibition would adversely impact tourism, hospitality, transport and manufacturing sectors, besides affecting the livelihoods of thousands of people associated with the liquor trade.
Jammu District Tops Revenue Chart
Jammu district emerged as the highest revenue generator. In 2022–23, it had 140 wine shops and 84 bars, generating ₹51,262.41 lakh. The figures for 2023–24 rose to 151 wine shops and 93 bars with revenue of ₹50,826.31 lakh. In 2024–25, the district recorded ₹52,292.83 lakh from 153 wine shops and 97 bars.
Kathua, Samba, Udhampur Show Steady Growth
Kathua generated ₹12,367.06 lakh in 2022–23, ₹12,217.17 lakh in 2023–24, and ₹12,694.98 lakh in 2024–25.
Samba’s revenue increased from ₹8,229.14 lakh in 2022–23 to ₹10,299.42 lakh in 2024–25.
Udhampur recorded consistent growth from ₹10,777.00 lakh in 2022–23 to ₹12,987.50 lakh in 2024–25.
Moderate Revenue in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban
Reasi generated ₹3,450.50 lakh in 2024–25, while Doda’s revenue remained stable around ₹2,600–2,700 lakh across three years.
Kishtwar’s revenue rose steadily to ₹1,964.09 lakh in 2024–25, and Ramban recorded ₹2,702.16 lakh in the same period.
Rajouri Sees Sharp Spike
Rajouri witnessed a major surge, with revenue jumping from ₹5,268.78 lakh in 2023–24 to ₹15,232.04 lakh in 2024–25.
Poonch recorded ₹1,889.92 lakh in 2024–25 after a dip the previous year.
Limited Presence in Kashmir Division
In the Kashmir division, Srinagar’s revenue increased from ₹3,086.77 lakh in 2022–23 to ₹7,632.90 lakh in 2024–25.
Anantnag saw a sharp rise to ₹1,999.95 lakh in 2024–25 despite having only two wine shops.
Baramulla, Ganderbal and Kupwara also recorded gradual increases, while Kupwara had no outlets in 2022–23.
The government further informed the House that Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Budgam and Kulgam had no bars or wine shops during the last three financial years.
