Restaurants, coffee shops may stop selling beer due to new govt policy

 

Sixty percent of restaurants and 80 percent of coffee shops nationwide may stop selling beer following the new government policy requiring them to apply for a licence starting Jan 1.

Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association president Wong Teu Hoon said operators may not think it is worth paying between RM840 and RM1,320 for a licence when they can hardly earn from selling beer.

While it was reported that coffee shops selling beer need to apply for a licence, he noted that the new policy by the Customs Department will also affect other eateries. 

"I estimate 60 percent out of 15,000 restaurants and 80 percent out of 20,000 coffee shops may cease selling beer if the new regulations come into force," Wong, who is also the president of Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs Association, told Malaysiakini when contacted yesterday.

"Consumers seldom consume beer at restaurants and coffee shops and they don't patronise these eateries just for beer. Beer is not the main source of income for these operators.

"Each coffee shop can hardly sell 10 cartons of beer in a month. Under such circumstances, these operators would rather not apply for a beer licence," he said.

Wong said only restaurants and coffee shops situated at prime locations and tourist spots may consider applying for the licence.

However, he appealed to the government to reconsider the new policy so that selling beer can still remain as one of the sources of income for the operators.

A typical coffee shop

The Customs Department had issued two circulars in June and August to all its division heads, state-level directors and various local authorities, including Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), to enforce liquor licences in all restaurants and coffee shops.

The Vibes reported that the department had revoked its directive dated Aug 24, 1993, which instructed postponement of the enforcement of licencing on the sales of liquor, besides beer and stout, in coffee shops and restaurants.

"Therefore, the retail sale of liquor, whether in restaurants or coffee shops, including Malaysia-themed coffee shops, need to be licensed," the circular read.

New policy hinders freedom

Elaborating further, Wong said the government had made it compulsory for eateries selling hard liquor to have a licence.

"It was in September that we were notified about the new regulation on the licence," he added.

Both Malaysia Singapore Coffee Shop Proprietors’ General Association and Pan Malaysia Koo Soo Restaurants and Chefs Association had sought help from MCA president Wee Ka Siong and Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Lim Ban Hong in October.

MCA and Pakatan Harapan leaders have opposed Putrajaya's decision on the ground that the new policy hinders the freedom of non-Muslims and ultimately creates tension among the country's races. 

China Press also reported that restaurants and coffee shops in Perlis are prohibited from selling more than four cartons of beer daily.

Kedah will also introduce curbs on the sale of alcohol in rural parts where the demands are low.

On Nov 2, Perak executive councillor Akmal Kamaruddin announced on social media that the Selama district council would impose a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages in all convenience stores in the district starting next month.

Before 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