Indonesia bans sale of beer in small shops

Retail sales of most alcoholic drinks limited to large supermarkets only, but exception granted for Bali beach vendors

Indonesia has introduced a ban on small retailers selling most alcoholic drinks, the latest move to curb drinking in the Muslim-majority country despite opposition from tourism hotspots.

The ban restricts the sale of beer and pre-mixed drinks – such as spirits with soft drinks – to large supermarkets only. Hotels, restaurants and bars are unaffected.

There had been particular anxiety about how the ban might affect tourism on the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali. However, the trade minister, Rachmat Gobel, who was shouted at during an ill-tempered meeting with community leaders inBali last weekend, pledged to ease the restrictions on the island to ensure street vendors could still sell beer at the beach.

The ban is the latest sign that conservative forces in the country are pushing back against growing alcohol consumption. This week Islamic parties proposed a total ban on drinking.

The trade ministry justified the ban on sales at small retailers on health and moral grounds. Fahira Idris, founder of the National Anti-Alcohol Movement and a leading proponent of the measure, likened alcohol to a “machine killing our youth”.

Brewers have voiced their unhappiness. Diageo, which distributes well-known brands such as Guinness in Indonesia, called the ban “regrettable”. The Indonesian Brewers Association said it amounted to prohibition in smaller towns where big supermarkets are scarce.

Indonesians are among the lowest consumers of alcohol per capita in south-east Asia. More than 90% of the population describe themselves as Muslim, and drinking is against Islamic law.

However, alcohol is widely available in bigger cities and tourist areas, and industry data shows beer sales have been growing by roughly 5% annually.

source theguardian