PDP’s push for alcohol prohibition in Kashmir sparks tourism debate

Tourism industry fears economic consequences

As the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session has started on Monday, opposition PDP has submitted a private member’s bill calling for a total ban on sale of alcohol. The party has also launched a signature campaign supporting the move, citing social concerns.

As the Budget Session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has began, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) party has moved a private member’s bill for ban on sale of alcohol.

To garner support for the bill inside and outside the house, PDP has also launched a signature campaign, citing social concerns. However, the move has sparked a debate, with critics raising concerns over its potential impact on the region’s economy which relies heavily on tourism industry.

The campaign was organised to back the bill introduced by PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, which calls for the complete prohibition of alcohol in the union territory.

The PDP’s bill proposes a total ban on liquor sales and consumption in Kashmir, saying it will provide a healthier, more peaceful environment.

Supporters of the bill argue that alcohol consumption can lead to rising crime, violence and familial breakdowns, and believe that the region can benefit from a shift toward non-alcoholic recreation and culture.

“We want a Kashmir that is free of vices,” Iltija Mufti, PDP leader, said at the launch event. “This will protect our youth, our families, and our way of life. It is a necessary step to ensure that we are building a society that is morally upright.”

Indeed, the idea of creating a “dry” region resonates with some locals, particularly in rural areas, who see the ban as a way to preserve Kashmir’s traditional values. Many of them, weary from decades of conflict, view such an initiative as a return to simpler, purer days when Kashmir’s culture was more closely tied to its rich heritage and spiritual practices.

Tourism: The lifeblood of Kashmir’s economy

However, such a ban raises serious questions about its impact on the tourism industry, which has long been the region’s economic lifeblood. Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is largely centred around its breath-taking natural beauty, from the snow-capped mountains to the picturesque Dal Lake.

However, for decades, the region has also drawn travellers looking for a more hedonistic experience: the kind of tourism that enjoys Kashmir’s upscale hotels, fine dining, and a glass of wine or a cold beer after a day of exploration.

One of the most critical aspects of this tourism is the international and domestic travellers who visit Kashmir for luxury stays and leisure experiences. Many visitors come to the region seeking not only the serenity and scenic beauty that Kashmir offers but also the comforts and amenities found in the most exclusive resorts and houseboats. These establishments often cater to the tastes of tourists who expect the availability of alcohol as part of the luxury experience, blending the region’s cultural richness with modern hospitality.

Shekhar Raina, a prominent local tour operator and the owner of Shekhar Tours, has been serving the Kashmir tourism industry for over 25 years. His business caters to both domestic and international travellers, many of whom expect certain amenities, including the availability of alcohol, during their stay.

“Alcohol consumption, especially for foreign tourists, is often considered a basic part of the travel experience. It is not just about getting drunk, but more about enjoying the local food and culture in a relaxed setting. While alcohol is available in specific shops catering to tourists, it is part of the luxury experience for many visitors who want to unwind after exploring the region,” Raina tells Media India Group.

Raina fears that the proposed ban might push some tourists, particularly those from countries where drinking alcohol is culturally common, to reconsider their travel plans to Kashmir.

“There is a segment of tourists who specifically come to Kashmir because of the unique blend of culture, food, and leisure that we offer. If they cannot enjoy a drink in the beautiful settings we provide, like a houseboat or a traditional restaurant, it could turn them away. We are already competing with other destinations like Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Goa. If Kashmir removes this aspect of luxury tourism, we could lose a significant number of visitors,” he adds.

Danish Hussain, Owner of Apexman Advisory & Tours, Srinagar shares his thoughts on the issue, offering a nuanced perspective on how such a ban might play out.

“I personally feel that the alcohol ban won’t affect tourism much. Initially, alcohol was only available to tourists, which I think was a good system. It allowed visitors to enjoy a drink in designated places, while locals were not involved. If they do decide to ban alcohol, it should be made available only to tourists, as it was before. There are already shops in places like Dalgate catering specifically to them and the issue I see is not with tourists drinking, but with the fact that locals have started drinking, which has become a problem. We have seen people drinking on the streets, which wasn’t common before, and that could become a serious issue,” Hussain tells Media India Group.

Hussain advocates for a balanced approach, where tourists can enjoy alcohol in confined spaces like their hotel rooms, but public drinking should be strictly prohibited. For him, the ban could ensure a safer, more respectful environment for both locals and visitors.

The proposed alcohol ban in Kashmir has sparked a range of reactions from tourists, with many expressing concerns about how it might affect their overall experience. For some, the idea of enjoying a drink while taking in the region’s stunning views is a key part of their visit, and the ban could alter the atmosphere they cherish.

“Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places I have visited, and part of its charm is enjoying a drink while relaxing by the Dal Lake. If the alcohol ban is enforced, I may have to rethink my future visits here. It is just part of the whole experience for me and I understand the cultural context, but alcohol adds to the leisure experience, especially when you are travelling in a place like Kashmir,” Deepak Mishra, a tourist from Delhi who says he recently visited Kashmir, tells Media India Group.

On the other hand, some tourists are more open to the ban, seeing it as a move to preserve Kashmir’s peaceful, family-friendly environment.

“I think focussing on making Kashmir a more wholesome place for families is a great idea. For us, alcohol is not important, and we are here to enjoy the culture, the history and the landscape,” Sonu Bidhuri, a businessman from Delhi tells Media India Group.

These differing perspectives reflect the challenge Kashmir faces in balancing the expectations of its diverse visitors with the need to maintain its cultural values. While alcohol is available in specific designated shops, its potential ban could shape the way tourists experience the region.