Leh, October 28: The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has strongly refuted allegations made by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk regarding the alleged expansion of liquor outlets across the region, asserting that only one liquor shop is currently operational in the entire Union Territory. The administration described Wangchuk’s statements as “false”, “baseless” and “totally imaginary”, and urged him to verify facts through official sources before making public claims.
The administration’s clarification comes in response to statements made by Wangchuk during a press conference at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi on October 22, 2026, in which he alleged that the Lieutenant Governor was acting arbitrarily and that liquor outlets and bars were being opened across Ladakh despite public opposition.
Wangchuk had claimed that between 500 and 1,000 women were protesting against what he described as an alleged attempt to promote alcohol consumption in the region. He further alleged that a decision had been taken around two months earlier to open liquor outlets widely, with bars allegedly being established in every street and locality, including near schools, despite repeated representations and protests by local residents.
Rejecting these allegations, the administration stated that the facts concerning Ladakh’s excise policy and the number of operational liquor outlets were materially different from the picture presented by Wangchuk.
According to the administration, the new Excise Policy for 2026–27 was notified through Government Order S.O. 198 dated June 1, 2026. However, following feedback and suggestions received from residents and social organisations, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, respecting public sentiments, rolled back the policy on August 26, 2026.
The administration stated that the proposal to open wine shops under the new policy was also withdrawn, and the auction notice issued pursuant to the proposed policy was subsequently cancelled.
Following the rollback, the earlier Excise Policy for 2025–26, notified through S.O. 35 dated April 4, 2025, was restored through S.O. 256 dated August 26, 2026. The administration said that this earlier policy continues to remain in force.
Under the restored policy, only two liquor shops were permitted in Leh district, specifically in Ward No. 4 and Ward No. 6, according to the official clarification.
However, the administration said that only one of the two proposed outlets became operational. A liquor shop in Ward No. 6, Leh, commenced operations following an auction held on October 14, 2026. In Ward No. 4, no bid was received during the auction process, and consequently, no liquor shop was opened there.
“As on date, only one liquor shop is operational in the entire Ladakh,” the administration stated, adding that the number of operational shops was now lower than the two permitted under the earlier policy.
On this basis, the administration rejected Wangchuk’s allegation that liquor was being forcibly promoted across Ladakh, maintaining that the opening of additional liquor shops under the new excise policy had been withdrawn following public feedback.
The administration also addressed Wangchuk’s allegations concerning the opening of bars across residential neighbourhoods and near educational institutions, stating that licences were issued in accordance with prescribed rules and distance requirements.
According to the official figures provided by the administration, 50 retail liquor vends attached to bars with restaurants are currently operational across the Union Territory. Of these, 38 are located in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar and two in Changthang. In addition, two beer bars are operational in Leh.
The administration further stated that nine hotels in Leh hold liquor licences, of which four had applied for and received licences during the current year. One hotel in Nubra had also applied for and obtained a liquor licence this year.
It maintained that licences were issued only to applicants fulfilling the prescribed requirements and that the applicable distance criteria relating to highways, religious institutions and educational institutions were followed while granting permissions. The administration said the same distance requirements applied to hotel liquor licences.
On these grounds, the administration rejected Wangchuk’s assertion that bars were being opened indiscriminately in every street and locality and around schools, stating that the allegations were not supported by the official records cited in its clarification.
The administration maintained that the distinction between liquor shops and licensed establishments serving alcohol through bars and restaurants was important in understanding the current position. While only one standalone liquor shop is operational across Ladakh, a number of licensed bars and hotel establishments also operate under the applicable excise framework.
Referring to the wider circulation of Wangchuk’s remarks across print, television, digital and social media, the administration expressed concern that such statements could create unnecessary public alarm. It accused the activist of presenting an inaccurate picture of the excise policy and its implementation.
The administration urged Wangchuk to exercise caution while addressing the national media and the public, advising him to verify official records and establish the facts before making allegations concerning government policy.
It said public discussion of sensitive issues should be based on verifiable information, particularly when statements could influence public perceptions of policy decisions and their implementation.
The clarification sets out the administration’s position that the proposed expansion of liquor shops under the 2026–27 Excise Policy was withdrawn in August and that the previous policy was restored. It also provides the current official figures for liquor shops, bars and hotel licences, while rejecting allegations of indiscriminate licensing near schools and residential areas.
The administration’s statement comes amid continuing public attention to alcohol-related policy in Ladakh, where concerns raised by residents and social organisations prompted the rollback of the new excise policy in August. By placing the policy notifications, auction outcomes and licensing figures on record, the administration has sought to counter the allegations made at Wangchuk’s October 22 press conference.
The administration reiterated that only one liquor shop is currently operational in Ladakh and called on Wangchuk to refrain from making statements that it considers misleading, insisting that public claims about the excise policy should be grounded in verified facts and official records.
