- By Abhishek Sheoran
- Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:26 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
JK New Excise Policy: The prices of liquor and beer are likely to increase by over 5 per cent from April 1 in Jammu and Kashmir. The new excise policy for 2025-26, which will come into effect on April 1, includes an increase in various fees on liquor and beer as well as licensing fees, which will impact prices. The new rate list will be released by the excise department on March 31.
Registration Fee Hike Under New Excise Policy
Under the 2025-26 excise policy, the registration fee for participating in the online auction to open a liquor shop has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. Besides, the label fee on all types of liquor, except Jammu and Kashmir Special Whiskey and JK Country liquor, has also been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.
Increased Prices For Special Whiskey
Under the new policy, the excise duty on all types of liquor and beer has been increased by Rs 5. The excise duty on JK Special Whiskey has been raised from Rs 250 per litre to Rs 258 per litre. Similarly, the assessment duty on a 750ml bottle of Indian Made Whiskey has been increased from Rs 64 to Rs 65 per bottle, and for JK Special Whiskey, this duty has been raised from Rs 32 to Rs 34.
Alcohol Served At Private Events To Become Expensive
If someone wishes to serve alcohol at a private event, they will now have to pay more. Previously, the fee for small parties was Rs 5,000 and for large parties, Rs10,000. Now the fee has been standardised at Rs 7,000 for all events.
Other Changes In New Excise Policy
Additionally, the licensing fee for wholesalers has been increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, and the licensing fee for factories has been increased from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. The excise duty on wine and beer has been raised from Rs 80 to Rs 85.
The new excise policy also clarifies that no new liquor shops will be allowed to open in the region, and selling alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age will remain prohibited.
The policy also specifies that if anyone is found charging more than the prescribed price, they will be fined Rs 40,000 for the first offence, Rs 75,000 for the second, and Rs 1 lakh for the third. If caught a fourth time, their license will be revoked.
Meanwhile, other shops are also selling liquor in the city along with other items. These are shopkeepers who failed to secure a licence in the online auction under the new excise policy. To clear their stock, these shopkeepers are offering a 10 per cent discount on all types of liquor.