Coffee shops selling beer must apply for licence next year - report

 

Coffee shops selling beer will be required to apply for a new licence from Jan 1 as part of a new federal government policy, said Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association president Keu Kok Meng.

Keu, who was called in for a briefing by the Customs Department last month to inform them of the decision, said businesses were surprised by the sudden imposition of the licensing requirement.

Annual licence fees between RM840 and RM1,320 will be charged to the businesses depending on operation hours.

"It will be enforced nationwide. Of that I’m certain, according to the briefing session. It is understood that enforcement comes under the Excise Regulations 1977. The legislation has been there, but they are only enforcing it now.

"Apparently, the Finance Ministry informed the Customs Department about the decision in March, but we are only being briefed now.

"Definitely, we feel a bit shortchanged by the short notice. So, we will certainly appeal the decision. In fact, we have written to the ministry, seeking for reconsideration," he was quoted as saying by The Vibes.

With 20 to 30 percent of association members closing shop due to the pandemic, the licence requirement comes at a bad time particularly considering the amount of money and red tape involved, Keu said, raising concern about the fate of the businesses following the new policy.

"So far, there have been no procedures provided on application. That is the worrying part for us. It is already nearing the end of the year. 

"Hopefully, they will hold off (on) the implementation to a later date," he added.

Yesterday, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng accused the government of adopting PAS’ extremist policies nationwide by requiring ordinary coffee shops selling beer to apply for alcohol licences.

"Coffee shops and restaurants in Perlis were also reported by China Press that beer sales are limited to only four cartons daily.

"This is about deliberately imposing unnecessary restrictions and interfering in the customary lifestyle and business practices on non-Muslims that have been undisturbed since Merdeka to fulfil the political extremism of PAS," the Bagan MP said.

Prior to this, Kuala Lumpur City Hall also prohibited sundry shops, convenience stores, and Chinese medicine halls in the capital from selling hard liquor effective from this month.  -Mkini