JAMMU, March 13 -- The Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department today strongly rebutted the news being circulated on various social media platforms regarding the increase in several vends (Wine Shops) in Jammu & Kashmir, terming it as fake and baseless.

A communication issued by the department in this regard stated that "As per J&K Excise Policy for the year 2025-26 notified vide SO 38 dated 15th February, 2025, 305 number of vends (Wine Shops) were put to e-auction on 15.02.2025 and after culmination of the bidding process, 271 vends got allotted through the e-auction process (which was conducted by J&K Bank) to the successful H1 bidders and rest of 34 locations are being put to re-auction through Public Notice Issued on 07.03.2025 and biddi...