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The inaugural alcohol retailer in Saudi Arabia has opened throughout the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh, particularly catering to non-Muslim diplomats.
This growth, although impacting a restricted demographic, signifies a major shift for the historically conservative Muslim nation. The prohibition of alcohol dates again to 1952 when a Saudi prince, in an inebriated state, fatally assaulted a British diplomat. Given the non secular observance in Saudi Arabia, the place Islam prohibits consuming, the ban has been upheld regardless of the clandestine importation of alcohol through the years.
Beforehand, international embassies might import alcohol by agreements with the Saudi authorities, and a few resorted to discreet strategies like using safe “diplomatic pouches” that elude inspection. The following resale of those alcohol bottles on the black market, typically at exorbitant costs, grew to become prevalent, prompting the Saudi authorities to deal with the problem. An nameless Saudi investor remarked on the emergence of a black marketplace for alcohol, necessitating authorities intervention.
In response to those challenges, the brand new alcohol retailer in Riyadh is accompanied by stringent guidelines. Entry and purchases are regulated by an app named Diplo, requiring approval from the Saudi Overseas Ministry. The gross sales are topic to a month-to-month quota system for every registered particular person. This managed buying system goals to fight the long-standing subject of alcohol smuggling by diplomats. The Saudi authorities has formally acknowledged the necessity for alcohol quota rules to counter the illicit commerce, as talked about by the nation’s Middle of Worldwide Communication (CIC).
Nonetheless, the Saudi Overseas Ministry and CIC have but to reply to requests for remark. Expatriates have traditionally employed artistic strategies to convey alcohol into the nation, highlighting the lengths people have gone to evade strict penalties, together with fines, lashes, deportation, or imprisonment, imposed by Saudi Arabia for alcohol-related offenses.
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