The administration of Ladakh has officially rejected recent claims made by climate activist and Leh Apex Body member Sonam Wangchuk, who alleged that liquor shops and bars are being opened in every street and neighborhood across the region. In a statement released on Wednesday, the administration described these allegations as “totally false and misleading,” asserting that only one new liquor shop is currently operational within the entire Union Territory.
The controversy stems from concerns over the region's excise policy. According to the administration, the excise policy for 2026-27 was initially notified on June 1. However, following feedback and suggestions from local residents and various social organizations, the lieutenant governor decided to roll back the new policy on August 26. As a result, the excise policy of 2025-26 was restored and remains the governing framework for the region.
Providing specific figures, the government clarified that under the reinstated 2025-26 policy, only two liquor retail shops were permitted in Leh. While one such store began operations following an auction held on October 14, the administration noted that no bids were received for the second proposed location. Regarding the broader presence of alcohol-serving establishments, the government reported that there are 50 liquor retail vends with attached bars and restaurants currently operational across Ladakh, including 38 in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar, and two in Changthang.
Furthermore, the official statement highlighted that two beer bars are operational in Leh, in addition to liquor licenses held by nine hotels in Leh and one in Nubra. The administration emphasized that all licenses are issued in strict accordance with “distance criteria” regarding their proximity to highways, religious sites, and educational institutions. Consequently, officials stated that the activist’s claim regarding the opening of bars in every street or near schools has no factual basis.
Responding to the administrative rebuttal later that evening, Sonam Wangchuk acknowledged that the government had rolled back its excise policy following protests from civil society and a week-long sit-in staged by women’s groups. He countered the government’s stance by questioning the necessity of the public protests, noting that hundreds of mothers had spent six nights in sub-zero temperatures to voice their opposition to the policies.
Wangchuk further alleged that the administration had been playing with terminology to differentiate between “liquor shops” and “bars.” He claimed that the authorities had utilized the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the Dalai Lama’s visit to Ladakh as an opportunity to introduce numerous alcohol bars. He argued that the current count of 50 such establishments is the highest in the history of the region.
The situation remains tense as local women's groups continue to stage protests, with a primary demand that Ladakh be declared a dry Union Territory. On Tuesday, prior to the official rebuttal, the administration had expressed an openness to wider consultations in an attempt to reach a middle ground. For now, the government has advised individuals to verify facts through official channels before sharing claims that may be perceived as misleading by the public or the national media.
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