Leh, Oct. 28 -- The Ladakh administration has strongly refuted allegations made by activist Sonam Wangchuk regarding the opening of liquor shops and bars across the Union Territory, describing his statements as "false", "baseless" and "totally imaginary". It has also cautioned him against spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary public alarm over the region's excise policy.
In a release issued by the Excise Department, the administration clarified that only one liquor shop was currently operational in the entire Union Territory, contrary to Wangchuk's claims that liquor outlets were being opened indiscriminately across Ladakh. The clarification followed statements made by Wangchuk during a press conference at Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi on October 22, 2026, where he alleged that the administration was facilitating the widespread opening of liquor shops and bars despite public opposition.
Wangchuk had claimed that hundreds of women were staging protests against the opening of liquor outlets and that the administration was proceeding with its plans despite repeated objections from residents. He also alleged that bars were being opened in residential neighbourhoods and near educational institutions.
Excise policy rolled back
Rejecting the allegations, the administration said the new Excise Policy 2026-27 had been notified on June 1, 2026, through S.O. 198. However, following feedback and objections from residents and social organisations, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta rolled back the policy on August 26, 2026, respecting public sentiments. The administration said the proposal to open additional wine shops under the new policy was subsequently withdrawn, while the auction notice issued in connection with the proposal was also cancelled.
Following the rollback, the previous Excise Policy 2025-26, originally notified on April 4, 2025, was restored through S.O. 256 dated August 26, 2026, and continued to remain in force. Under the restored policy, only two liquor shops were permitted in Leh, located in Wards 4 and 6. However, the administration clarified that only one of these outlets had become operational. A liquor shop in Ward 6 commenced operations following an auction held on October 14, 2026. In Ward 4, no bids were received during the auction process, and consequently, no shop was opened.
The administration maintained that the number of operational liquor shops had decreased from two to one, contradicting allegations that liquor outlets were being opened across the region.
Administration details bar licences
Addressing Wangchuk's allegations regarding the proliferation of bars, the Excise Department said 50 establishments licensed for the retail sale of liquor in bars attached to restaurants were operational across Ladakh.
Of these, 38 were located in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar and two in Changthang. Additionally, two beer bars were operational in Leh. The administration further stated that nine hotels in Leh held liquor licences, including four that had applied for and received licences during the current year. One hotel in Nubra had also obtained a liquor licence this year. Officials clarified that licences were issued only to applicants who fulfilled the prescribed requirements, including mandatory distance restrictions from highways, religious establishments and educational institutions.
The same distance criteria applied to hotels seeking liquor licences, the department said, rejecting allegations that bars were being permitted near schools and in every residential locality.
Wangchuk cautioned over statements
The administration accused Wangchuk of conducting what it described as a deliberate campaign of misinformation by claiming that liquor shops were being opened in every corner of Ladakh. It maintained that official records contradicted his assertions and alleged that such statements were intended to create unnecessary public alarm.
"These official records contradict Mr Wangchuk's deliberate campaign of falsehood and misinformation," the administration said, adding that his allegations were baseless. The administration also advised Wangchuk to verify information through official channels before making public statements or presenting allegations to national media organisations. It urged him to refrain from spreading what it termed imaginary claims, maintaining that the existing excise framework had been restored after taking public concerns into consideration.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.