We know that Muslims don’t drink alcohol, and they choose mocktails instead, but Muslims aren’t the only people who live in Muslim countries. In a bid to modernize and westernize Saudi Arabia the Kingdom is allowing the first alcohol shop to be open in 70 years.
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We know that Muslims don’t drink alcohol, and they choose mocktails instead, but Muslims aren’t the only people who live in Muslim countries. In a bid to modernize and westernize Saudi Arabia the Kingdom is allowing the first alcohol shop to be open in 70 years.
The client’s will be limited to diplomatic staff, say sources in local media. These are people who have been for years importing illicit alcohol finally making it legal.
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Prohibition has been law in Saudi Arabia since 1952, after one of King Abdulaziz’s sons drunkenly shot dead a British diplomat. Mishari bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, a prince, shot and killed Cyril Ousman, the British vice-consul in Jeddah, in 1951 for refusing to pour him another drink at a function. Mishari was convicted of murder.
A source the shop was expected to open within weeks. There will be limitations, however:
- Thirsty envoys would need to register beforehand and receive clearance by the government
- No one under 21 will be allowed in the store and “proper attire is required” at all times inside
- Drinkers will not be able to send a proxy, such as a driver
- Monthly limitations would be enforced, the statement said.
Other limits is that patrons will be limited to 240 “points” of alcohol per month whereas one litre of spirits will be worth six points, one liter of wine three points and one liter of beer one point.
Carakale craft beer in Jordan. The company is thriving despite a Muslim majority
Related: Jordan gets its first brewery, upsetting Muslim leaders
The allowances are expected to widen to tourists and foreigners.
Even if alcohol is permitted to some in Saudi Arabia, sharia laws should not be forgotten: penalties for consumption or possession of alcohol can include fines, jail time, public flogging and
