The Ladakh administration urged Wangchuk to verify facts through official sources before speaking to the media. Screengrab: ANI.
Ladakh administration rejects Sonam Wangchuk’s claims on liquor shops
The administration says only one standalone liquor shop is operating in Ladakh, while licensed restaurants and beer bars continue under the restored excise policy
The Ladakh administration has rejected climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s claims that liquor shops are being opened across the Union Territory, calling his statements “false”, “baseless” and “totally imaginary”.
In a press release, the administration said it had taken “serious note” of Wangchuk’s remarks at a press conference at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi on October 22. He had alleged that liquor was being promoted despite public protests and that bars were opening near schools.
‘Only one liquor shop is operating’
“The statement of Mr Wangchuk that ‘Ladakh mein sharab ko zabardasti badhaya ja raha hai’ (Alcohol is being forcibly promoted in Ladakh) is totally false and misleading,” the administration said, adding that only one liquor shop was operating across Ladakh, reported ANI.
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The new Excise Policy 2026-27, notified on June 1, was withdrawn on August 26 following feedback from residents and social organisations. The administration said the Lieutenant Governor rolled it back, “respecting their sentiments”. The previous policy, notified in April 2025, was restored and remains in force.
‘Excise policy permits shops in two Leh wards’
Under that policy, two liquor shops were permitted in Leh’s Ward No. 4 and Ward No. 6. A shop opened in Ward No. 6 after an auction on October 14. No bid was received for Ward No. 4.
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The administration said 50 liquor vends attached to restaurants were operating across the UT: 38 in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar and two in Changthang. Two beer bars were also operating in Leh. Nine hotels in Leh held liquor licences, four of which received licences this year. One hotel in Nubra also received a licence this year.
Officials cite licensing rules
It said licences were issued under prescribed rules, including distance requirements from highways, religious sites and educational institutions.
Rejecting Wangchuk’s claim that bars were opening “in every street, locality and around schools”, the administration accused him of spreading misinformation and urged him to verify facts through official sources before speaking to the media.