Jammu: Administration of the UT of J&K has notified the draft excise policy to allot liquor vends for the financial year 2021-22 through e-auction in a “completely open and transparent manner” in the same area where liquor shops already exist.
The vends shall be allotted for a period of one year as per the provisions of the J&K Excise Act and Rules.
The total number of shops to be allotted shall be the same as existing at present and there shall be no increase in the number of vends to be auctioned, said an official statement issued here. The vends shall be allotted in the same areas where the shops are operational presently.
“The vends shall be allotted to the domiciles of the UT of J&K and only a single vend shall be allotted to one person. Any person who is eligible for grant of license as per the provisions of Excise Act and Rules shall be eligible for participation in the e-auction process,” it said.
The genuine requests of stakeholders which are within the ambit of the Excise Act and Rules shall be given due consideration.
“The sentiments of the local community shall be taken into account also,” it said.
The Department has invited suggestions from the stakeholders and general public on the draft policy.