ALCOHOL RULES TO CHANGE IN SAUDI ARABIA
The first-ever liquor store is set to open in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. This follows the rules regulating alcohol for non-Muslims set to change in a country known for its strict alcohol rules.
The country’s Centre of International Communication (CIC) said in a statement the aim of the rule change is to “counter the illicit trade of alcohol goods”.
The Middle Eastern country is reportedly preparing to approve the opening of the liquor store which will only serve non-Muslim diplomats.
The CIC told CNN that a “new process will focus on allocating specific quantities of alcohol goods when entering the Kingdom to put an end to the previous unregulated process that caused an uncontrolled exchange of such goods in the Kingdom”.
The sale of alcohol consumption in Saudi Arabia is against the law. If found guilty, a person is punishable by fines, lashes, deportations, or imprisonment.
Rumours have been spreading that the Kingdom, under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman could legalise alcohol in the near future.
Tourism has played a big role in this decision.
Image credit: CNBC