Ladakh Approves New Liquor Policy: 20 Outlets Allowed, Hard Liquor Retail Expanded in Tourist Areas
मुख्य बातें
- •Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena approved a new liberalised liquor policy in Ladakh on June 1, 2026
- •Policy allows retail sale of hard liquor and increases liquor outlets from 2 to 20 across the UT
- •Aimed at reducing dependence on narcotics and drugs, supporting tourism and optimising excise revenue
- •New outlets permitted in areas including Nubra, Changthang, Sham, and Zanskar; previously limited to Leh city
- •Annual wholesale license fee raised from ₹3.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh; base price for retail vends revised to ₹60 lakh in Leh and ₹30 lakh elsewhere
- •Policy developed after extensive consultations with civil society, religious groups, and medical experts over concerns of rising drug abuse
- •Removal of District Administration’s “Opinion” requirement for licence grant streamlines the licensing process
The Ladakh Union Territory has rolled out a major overhaul of its excise regime with a new liberalised liquor policy that expands retail sale of hard liquor, increases outlets from 2 to 20, and extends availability to remote tourist areas such as Nubra, Changthang, Sham, and Zanskar. The policy, approved by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on June 1, 2026, is designed to curb rising dependence on narcotic substances, strengthen regulatory oversight, and support tourism-led economic growth in the region.
