Ladakh cautions Sonam Wangchuk over excise policy, says only one liquor shop

The Union Territory (UT) administration of Ladakh has rejected what it described as false propaganda surrounding its excise policy and cautioned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk against spreading rumours, asserting that only one retail liquor shop is currently operational across the region.

The clarification comes amid growing protests by women and religious organisations demanding a complete ban on alcohol in Ladakh. The administration's statement seeks to address concerns over the number of liquor outlets and licences issued under the region's excise policy.

Administration clarifies liquor shop numbers

In its press release, the UT administration stated that there was only one liquor shop in the entire region of Ladakh. It challenged claims suggesting a widespread expansion of retail liquor outlets and urged against the circulation of misleading information on the issue.

The administration's clarification comes amid public concern over the availability of alcohol and the social and cultural implications of the excise policy. Wangchuk has criticised the administration over the issue, alleging that its approach promotes alcohol consumption while claiming to address the drug menace.

Protests grow over liquor licences

Women from different religious communities, along with members of religious organisations, have been protesting in Leh, demanding that liquor outlets be shut and Ladakh be declared a dry Union Territory. The protesters have raised concerns about the potential impact of alcohol availability on young people, local traditions and the region's social fabric.

During a meeting on October 27, Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra met representatives of religious organisations, including the Ladakh Buddhist Association and Anjuman Imamia, Leh, to discuss their concerns about the excise policy.

The representatives called for complete prohibition and expressed concern over the number of licences issued for bars and other establishments selling alcohol.

Excise policy rolled back amid public outcry

The administration informed the representatives that the Excise Policy 2026-27 had been rolled back in response to public sentiment, with the previous year's Excise Policy 2025-26 restored.

Officials said Ladakh had two retail liquor outlets until last year, but only one was functional this year. However, the number of operational bars attached to restaurants that offer retail liquor sales had risen from 23 to 40 following the issuance of 17 additional licences.

The distinction between retail liquor shops and restaurant bars is central to the ongoing debate, as the number of retail outlets does not represent the total number of establishments permitted to serve or sell alcohol.

Administration calls for dialogue on prohibition

Kundra acknowledged the concerns raised by women and religious representatives and said the demand to declare Ladakh a completely dry Union Territory required careful consideration and wider consultations.

He emphasised that any decision would need to account for the region's social and cultural values as well as its economic interests, particularly tourism, employment and the hospitality sector. He also referred to the experience of states such as Bihar and Haryana, where prohibition has been associated with concerns over illicit liquor and the proliferation of drugs.

The administration has called for discussions involving religious organisations, hotel associations, tour operators and other stakeholders to build consensus on a way forward.

As protests continue, the debate over Ladakh's excise policy remains focused on balancing public demands for restrictions on alcohol with concerns about livelihoods, tourism and the practical implications of a complete prohibition.