Ladakh Welcomes Foreign Liquor For 1st Time; Liquor Outlets To Rise From 2 To 20 Under New Rule

Ladakh now has a new excise policy that allows the sale of foreign liquor in the region, which earlier permitted only beer, wine, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Previously, liquor sales were restricted to retail vends, but under the revised policy, guest houses and homestays will also be allowed to retail liquor upon payment of the required licence fees. Here’s everything you need to know about the new policy.

Foreign Liquor Comes To Ladakh Under New Excise Policy

According to NDTV, Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has approved a new excise policy for Ladakh, allowing the sale of foreign liquor in the region. Under the revised rules, the number of liquor outlets will also increase significantly, from just two to 20.

Besides increasing the number of retail liquor outlets, the new excise policy also marks major liberalisation of the Union Territory’s liquor regime by expanding regulated access to alcoholic beverages and simplifying licensing procedures. Hard liquor, including foreign liquor and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), will now be permitted for retail sale across the region.

Beyond Leh city, liquor will now be available in Nubra, Changthang, Sham, and Zanskar. Additionally, guest houses and homestays will be allowed to operate retail liquor vends upon payment of the prescribed licence fee. The policy also permits the establishment of beer bars with microbreweries in the Union Territory.

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Why Were These New Rules Needed?

NDTV Profit reported Ladakh’s new excise policy will significantly ease licensing requirements by reducing the number of documents needed to obtain an excise licence from 16 to just six. Sellers will also no longer need mandatory approval from the district administration, a process that previously took several months.

Under the revised rules, liquor consumption will now be permitted within hotel premises, including guest rooms. Special permits may also be issued for serving liquor at private functions and banquet halls upon payment of the requisite fees.

The policy has been framed after consultations with civil society groups, NGOs, religious organisations, public representatives, and government officials. According to the administration, it not only addresses the artificial scarcity of liquor in the region but also aims to curb the growing use of narcotics and drugs in Ladakh.

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