Saudi Arabia eases alcohol restrictions for non-muslim diplomats

Saudi Arabia is set to allow non-Muslim diplomats to buy alcohol

Saudi Arabia is set to permit the sale of alcohol to non-Muslim diplomats, a move confirmed by two reliable sources on Wednesday.

Previously, non-Muslim diplomats faced the cumbersome process of importing alcohol through diplomatic pouches. The new directive signals a significant departure from the longstanding prohibition on alcohol, in place since 1952. This shift comes after a British diplomat lost his life in an incident involving the inebriation of one of King Abdulaziz’s sons.

The decision aligns with the broader social reforms championed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under the Vision 2030 reform agenda. Over the years, rumors have circulated regarding the potential availability of alcohol in Saudi Arabia, accompanying other societal changes such as the introduction of cinemas and mixed-gender music festivals.

A statement released by the Saudi government on Wednesday revealed that authorities are implementing “a new regulatory framework” to address the illicit trade of alcohol goods received by diplomatic missions. The focus of this framework is to allocate specific quantities of alcohol upon entry into the Kingdom, aiming to replace the prior unregulated process that led to an uncontrolled exchange of such goods within the country.

The existing stringent rules have limited avenues for the approximately 32 million people residing in Saudi Arabia to consume alcohol. Aside from diplomatic functions, individuals resort to making homemade wine or turning to the black market, where prices for bottles of whiskey can soar to hundreds of dollars, especially ahead of occasions like New Year’s Eve.

Source:  AFP