JAMMU & KASHMIR: IN A FIRST, SALE OF BEER APPROVED IN DEPARTMENT STORES IN URBAN AREAS

Jammu and Kashmir's authorities have approved the sale of beer at department stores as part of their liberalised policy for the licencing and sale of alcoholic beverages.

The proposal allowing department stores to sell beer and other Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages in urban areas was accepted at a meeting of the Administrative Council (AC) presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

An official statement on Tuesday said, "The Administrative Council approved incorporation of liberal provisions in Jammu and Kashmir Liquor License and Sale Rules, 1984 and Excise Policy, 2023-24 for grant of License JKEL-2A for retail sale of Beer and Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages in departmental stores in urban areas of UT."

According to the statement, department stores in commercial complexes that have been approved by the appropriate authority and that meet certain requirements, such as having a total carpet area of at least 1200 square feet and an annual turnover of at least Rs 5 crores for stores in Jammu and Srinagar cities and Rs 2 crores for stores in other urban areas, will be qualified. A chain of department stores would also be allowed to apply for separate licences for each of its outlets if it has an annual sales of more than Rs 10 crores.

Additionally, department stores should carry at least six of the following categories of products: groceries, frozen foods, confections/bakery, toiletries, cosmetics, household goods, utensils/kitchenware, sports items, electrical/electronic equipment, clothing, and stationery. Additionally, department stores operating at gas stations are not permitted under the terms of the aforementioned judgement, according to the official statement.

In consultation with the relevant Deputy Commissioners, the council also gave the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation permission to sell beer and other ready-to-drink beverages at retail in unserviced or underserved areas.