Tighter restrictions for liquor sales in KL next year

 

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has introduced new guidelines on liquor licenses in the city, which came into effect yesterday.

The guidelines stipulate that sundry shops and convenience stores will no longer be allowed to sell liquor products beginning Oct 1 next year.

Traditional Chinese medicinal halls are also subject to the ban, but an exception is made for liquor products for “traditional medicine purposes whether pure or as a mixture”.

“Effective Oct 1, 2021, there will be no new intoxicating liquor licenses (LMK) for sundry shops, convenience stores, and Chinese medicine shops.

“Existing LMKs for sundry shops, convenience stores, and Chinese medicine shops are allowed to renew their licenses only up to Sept 30, 2021,” the guidelines read.

The premises will still be allowed to sell beer after the liquor sale ban comes into effect, but only from 7am to 9pm.

They must keep the alcoholic beverages displayed separate from other drinks, and lock the display after 9pm. Buyers must be at least 18 years old.

Supermarkets, hypermarkets, hotels, bars, and pubs will still be allowed to sell liquor but must ensure that customers are at least 21 years old.

In a Facebook post today, DBKL said the new guidelines came into effect yesterday following consultation with the Federal Territories Ministry, Health Ministry, Royal Customs Department, the police, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department, stakeholders, and NGOs.

It said its goal is to control the accessibility and consumption of liquor products while ensuring the health and safety of the city’s denizens.

The guidelines also stipulate the time limits for when alcoholic beverages can be sold for different types of premises, imposes restrictions Muslim-ownership of license holders and applicants.

They are required to display their licenses along with a QR code at their entrances - blue licenses where consumption of alcohol is allowed on-premise, and yellow licenses for take-home purchases only.

Businesses selling alcoholic beverages are not allowed to face police stations, places of worship, schools, and hospitals.

For those making a fresh application for an LMK, they are required to advertise a notice on one Malay, one English, one Chinese, and one Tamil-language daily for three consecutive days.

In addition, they must display an A0-sized notice declaring their intent to obtain an LMK in front of their premises for seven consecutive days.

 - Mkini