The All Ladakh Liquor Traders Association on Saturday questioned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s stand on the sale of alcohol in the Union Territory, and raised questions over the licence of ‘Ule Topo’, his home-grown apple wine brand. The Association asked whether the brand had the required government licence to sell its products and why the administration had not taken action.
On October 30, Wangchuk announced that the women’s groups had suspended their protest after the administration agreed to their demands in principle and sought a week’s time to put the agreement in writing. The decision followed a letter issued by the UT administration’s Home Department on October 29. The groups said they had temporarily suspended their dharna, which was planned from October 29 to November 5, to give the administration time to fulfil its promise.
The liquor policy has also led to a disagreement between Wangchuk and the Ladakh administration. Under the old policy, two liquor shops were allowed in Leh, in Ward No. No bid was received for the shop in Ward No. Two beer bars were also operating in Leh.
Wangchuk has objected to the new Excise Policy 2026-27, introduced on June 1, 2026, which proposed increasing the number of retail liquor outlets in Ladakh from two to 20. On October 28, the administration rejected his claims that liquor shops and bars were being opened in every neighbourhood and near schools. In response, the administration said the new Excise Policy 2026-27, introduced on June 1, was withdrawn on August 26 after receiving feedback from residents and social organisations. The previous Excise Policy 2025-26 was brought back and remains in force. 4 and Ward No. 6. 6, was operational after an auction on October 14. 4. The administration also said 50 liquor outlets attached to restaurants and bars were operating across Ladakh. Of these, 38 were in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar and two in Changthang.
It called his statements “false”, “baseless” and “totally imaginary”. However, the administration said only one shop, in Ward No.
