Sonam Wangchuk’s allegations about the expansion of liquor sales have triggered a sharp rebuttal from the Ladakh Administration. Citing the withdrawal of the new excise policy and official licensing figures, the UT authorities have accused the activist of spreading misleading information.
BY PC Bureau
October 28, 2026: The Ladakh Administration has rejected activist Sonam Wangchuk’s allegations that the Lieutenant Governor is pushing to expand liquor availability across the Union Territory, saying the claims are contradicted by official records. It has urged Wangchuk to refrain from spreading what it described as false and misleading information.
In a press release issued by the Excise Department, the Administration said only one liquor shop was currently operational across Ladakh, dismissing as baseless Wangchuk’s claim that liquor outlets and bars were being opened in every locality and near schools.
Wangchuk made the allegations at a press conference at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi on October 22. He claimed that 500 to 1,000 women were participating in a hunger strike against the alleged expansion of liquor outlets. He also alleged that a decision taken two months earlier had resulted in liquor shops opening across the region despite public opposition.
The Administration said the new Excise Policy for 2026–27, notified on June 1, was withdrawn by the Lieutenant Governor on August 26 following feedback from the public and social organisations. The proposal to open wine shops and the related auction notice were also withdrawn, and the 2025–26 policy was restored.
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Under the restored policy, two liquor shops were permitted in Leh, in Ward Nos. 4 and 6. Following an auction on October 14, a shop became operational in Ward No. 6. No bid was received for Ward No. 4, leaving Ladakh with just one operational liquor shop, the Administration said.
It also disputed Wangchuk’s claims about the proliferation of bars. According to official figures, 50 retail liquor vends attached to restaurants with bars are operational across Ladakh: 38 in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar and two in Changthang. Leh also has two beer bars.
Nine hotels in Leh hold liquor licences, including four licensed this year, while one hotel in Nubra received a licence this year, the press release said.
Press Release
UT Administration Rebuts False Propaganda on Ladakh Excise Policy, cautions Sonam Wangchuk, to Refrain from rumour- mongering.
UT Administration clarifies that “There is only one liquor shop in the entire Ladakh”.
Read for more details https://t.co/9WdHOKC0u7
— DIO Leh (@dio_leh) October 28, 2026
The Administration maintained that licences are issued only on application and in accordance with prescribed rules, including mandatory distance requirements from highways, religious places and educational institutions. The same criteria apply to hotel licences, it added.
Rejecting the allegation that bars were being opened indiscriminately near schools and in residential areas, the Administration said the claims had no basis in the official record. It accused Wangchuk of conducting a campaign of misinformation and urged him to refrain from making statements that it said misrepresented the region’s excise policy.
