SRINAGAR: The Ladakh administration has said that only one liquor shop is currently operational across the Union Territory, rejecting Sonam Wangchuk’s allegations that new outlets were being opened across localities and near educational institutions.
In a statement issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations, the administration said the claims made by Wangchuk at a press conference in New Delhi on October 22 were “false” and “baseless”. It urged him to verify information through official sources before making public statements.
The administration said the Excise Policy 2026-27, notified through S.O. 198 on June 1, was withdrawn on August 26 following feedback and objections from residents and social organisations. The proposal to open wine shops under the policy was also withdrawn, and the auction notice issued in connection with it was cancelled.
Following the rollback, the previous Excise Policy 2025-26, notified through S.O. 35 on April 4, 2025, was restored through S.O. 256 dated August 26, 2026, and remains in force, the statement said.
Under the restored policy, two liquor shops were permitted in Leh, in wards 4 and 6. However, an auction held on October 14 resulted in a shop becoming operational only in ward 6, as no bid was received for ward 4. Consequently, only one liquor shop is currently functioning across Ladakh, the administration said.
Addressing the issue of bars, the administration said 50 liquor retail outlets attached to restaurants were operational across the Union Territory, including 38 in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar and two in Changthang. Two beer bars were also operating in Leh.
Additionally, nine hotels in Leh held liquor licences, four of which had been issued this year following applications. One hotel in Nubra had also obtained a licence this year, the statement said.
The administration maintained that licences were issued to applicants meeting the prescribed requirements, including distance restrictions from highways, religious institutions and educational establishments. It said the same distance criteria applied to hotels.
Wangchuk, speaking at a press conference at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi on October 22, had alleged that liquor outlets and bars were being opened across Ladakh, including near schools, despite objections from residents. He had also claimed that hundreds of women were protesting against the alleged expansion of liquor sales.
The administration said its official records did not support the allegations and called on Wangchuk to refrain from making claims without verification.
