2024-01-27 14:02:18
Saudi Arabia plans to authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for the first time, but only non-Muslim diplomats will be able to access them, two sources close to the matter who asked to remain anonymous informed AFP last Wednesday.
The alcohol “will be sold to non-Muslim diplomats,” who until now could only obtain it by importing it through the “diplomatic bag,” one of the sources said.
The sale of alcoholic beverages has been prohibited by law in Saudi Arabia since 1952, shortly after one of King Abdulaziz’s sons became drunk and, in a fit of rage, shot dead a British diplomat.
Rumors have circulated for years that alcohol would be allowed again under a series of social reforms introduced as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda, which includes the introduction of cinemas and music festivals with the joint presence of men and women.
A Saudi government statement said Wednesday that authorities will introduce “a new regulatory framework… to counter illicit trade in alcohol products received by diplomatic missions.”
“The new process will consist of allocating specific quantities of alcoholic products upon entering the country to put an end to the previous unregulated process that caused an uncontrolled exchange of said goods,” he said.
The rules in force until now leave the majority of the 32 million Saudis little chance to consume alcoholic beverages. Beyond attending diplomatic receptions, they can make homemade wine or turn to the black market, where bottles of whiskey can cost hundreds of dollars on the eve of holidays like New Year’s Eve.
Under Saudi law, penalties for alcohol consumption or possession can include fines, jail terms, public flogging and deportation for foreigners.
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