Ladakh women seek complete liquor ban as bars increase from 23 to 40

Women representatives of various religious organisations in Ladakh have demanded a complete ban on liquor, raising concern over the sharp increase in bar licences from 23 to 40 and warning of the social and cultural implications of the growing availability of alcohol in the Union Territory.

The demand was raised during a meeting with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Tuesday, where women representatives, including members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and other religious bodies, urged the administration to consider public sentiment and the region’s cultural values while framing its excise policy.

The administration, however, called for wider consultations, citing the potential social, cultural and economic consequences of a blanket ban.

The women representatives put forth their views and concerns while demanding complete prohibition of liquor in Ladakh, highlighting the social and cultural considerations associated with the issue. They expressed concern over the large number of bar licenses issued.

The participants were apprised of the status of liquor licences under the reinstated policy. It was informed that the number of retail liquor vends was two till last year but this year only one retail vend is functional. Similarly, the number of functional bars attached to restaurants offering retail sale of liquor, which was earlier 23, had increased by 17 newly issued licences, taking the total to 40.

The Chief Secretary acknowledged the concerns expressed by the women representatives and emphasised the importance of giving due consideration to the views and sentiments of the people of Ladakh. He observed that the demand for declaring Ladakh a completely dry UT is a significant matter that requires careful deliberation and consultation with all concerned stakeholders for which all agreed to. He cited the experience of other states like Bihar and Haryana where complete prohibition had led to serious consequences of spurious liquor and drugs being proliferated. He suggested that this is also a cultural issue and the community needs careful consideration of the consquences of declaring Ladakh as a dry territory. There are also issues of employment , tourism and economic activity and consultation with hotel industry is also crucial in this regard, particularly given that tourism is the primary economic activity in the territory.

He stated that any decision on the matter would need to be taken through a broad-based consultative process involving religious organisations, hotel associations, tour and travel operators’ associations, and other relevant stakeholders, keeping in view the social, cultural and economic dimensions of the issue. He suggested that in the first instance, President LBA should convene a wider consultation and build consensus on the way forward, with an endeavour to find a middle ground.

The Chief Secretary reiterated the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding in addressing the concerns raised by the women representatives while ensuring that the perspectives of all affected stakeholders are duly considered.