The project was shelved after Jammu and Kashmir’s excise department refused to grant license to the shop, prompting the AAI to cancel its tendering process.The AAI had invited tenders for opening of the duty paid liquor shop at the airport.

However, people across the valley protested against the move on social media, prompting the state’s excise department to refuse licencing permission and forcing the AAI to cancel the tendering process.

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“It is observed through media/social media that a section of the society is against having duty paid liquor shop at Srinagar International Airport, and honouring local sentiments, the AAI has decided to cancel the tender process with immediate effort,” a statement by the AAI said.

The statement came after the excise department sent a communication to Director AAI, Srinagar Airport.

“The JK excise department shall not grant liquor license for opening of liquor shop/vend at Srinagar International Airport in violation of the provisions of J&K Excise Act, 1958, and Liquor Licenses and Sale Rules, 1984,” the department said in its communique.