Hard liquor ban in KL grocery stores takes effect, beer still allowed

 

The ban on the sale of hard liquor by grocery and convenience stores takes effect today, according to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)

However, the sale of beer on such premises will still be allowed subject to additional rules.

This includes having to place beer products in a special display section, separate from other beverages.

The sale will be allowed from 7am to 9pm, after which the display section must be locked.

They may only be sold to non-Muslims aged 21 and above.

This is according to the revised guidelines issued by DBKL on the conditions for the issuance of liquor sale licences.

However, the retail sale of hard liquor will still be allowed at supermarkets, trade centres, shopping centres and dedicated liquor shops.

Pubs, bars, lounges and restaurants will also still be allowed to sell hard liquor between 10am to midnight, or up to 2am if they are approved for a special time extension.

This is subject to various rules, such as the premises cannot be within 100 metres of a police station, place of worship, school, hospital or residential area.

Last year, DBKL issued a set of guidelines imposing a ban on alcohol sales in groceries, convenience stores, as well as Chinese medicinal shops.

The new rules were supposed to take effect on Oct 1 but DBKL postponed them on the eve of implementation.

During the month-long postponement, DBKL said it had consulted with various stakeholders on the matter. The final guidelines were released today.

In the guideline, DBKL also addressed concerns raised by Chinese medicinal shops, stating that they will be allowed to sell liquor-based medicinal products as long as they are approved by the Health Ministry. - Mkini