BAN ON BOOZE SOLS IN BALI MINI MARTS

Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel has issued a ban on the sale of class A liquor and alcoholic beverages with below 5% alcohol content at mini markets in Bali, with the regulation to take effect in April.

The regulation was signed on January 16, however President Widodo has allowed a 3 month processing period for vendors to withdraw the beverages from sale, meaning on April 16 the regulation will be fully enforceable.

According to the Vice Chairman of Indonesia’s Retailers Association (APRINDO), Tutum Rahanta, the regulation will have severe consequences on the revenue of mini markets throughout Bali.

“Retailers rely on the sale of alcoholic beverages to serve the needs of foreign tourists,” said Rahanta.

Rahanta believes the government should restore the previous rules that govern the sale of alcoholic beverages in mini markets, that is the vendor must submit a Certificate for the sale of class A liquor and must display alcoholic beverages in a separate shelf than other goods.

Source: Tempo