Saudi Arabia ‘opens first liquor shop’ in Riyadh.
The government of Saudi Arabia has reportedly inaugurated its first liquor shop in the capital city of Riyadh, exclusively catering to diplomats from non-Muslim embassies.
Although there has been no official announcement from the Kingdom regarding this initiative, diplomats will be required to obtain permission via a dedicated app in order to procure liquor from this establishment.
Entrance to the store will be restricted to individuals over the age of 21, and visitors and photography will be strictly prohibited within the premises.
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Earlier this year, the Saudi government acknowledged via state-controlled media the imposition of additional restrictions on the importation of alcohol within diplomatic shipments.
The Center of International Communication (CIC) in Saudi Arabia confirmed that these new measures were aimed at combating the illicit trade of alcoholic products received by diplomatic missions.
Explore the reasons to visit #Riyadh in this article by @euronewstravel, spotlighting the futuristic capital. #KSAPennedbyMedia pic.twitter.com/hq9vKD3szH
— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) April 24, 2024
The CIC provided assurances to foreign media that these regulations were designed to ensure access to alcohol products for diplomats from non-Muslim embassies through specified quotas.
The new process would allocate quantities of these goods upon entry, thereby curtailing the previously unregulated exchange of alcohol.
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This development is in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia’s image and steer the country away from its ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam that informs its legal framework.
Recent reforms have included easing restrictions on women, most notably by lifting the ban on driving.
As Saudi Arabia ‘opens first liquor shop’ in Riyadh, despite strict Saudi laws prohibiting alcohol, a black market persists, and authorities often turn a blind eye to home brewing and alcohol consumption in compounds predominantly inhabited by foreigners.
