Saudi Arabia opens first liquor store after 70 years
Saudi Arabia has open its first liquor store in over 70 years, marking a significant shift for the traditionally restrictive Islamic country.
Alcohol consumption has long been prohibited (haram) in Islam, and Saudi Arabia was among the few nations, like Kuwait and Sharjah (UAE), where the sale of alcohol was strictly banned.
Back in 1951, King Abdulaziz, the monarch who founded Saudi Arabia, implemented the ban on alcohol sales after a tragic incident involving his son Prince Mishari and the British vice-consul Cyril Ousman in Jeddah.
Situated in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the newly opened store is exclusively accessible to non-Muslim diplomats as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to modernize the nation. The Crown Prince aims to diversify the Saudi economy, reduce its dependence on oil, and position the kingdom as a global tourism and business hub.
Visiting diplomats have described the store as resembling a high-end duty-free shop commonly seen in airports. Currently, the store offers a limited range of liquor, wine, and two types of beer.
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Stringent regulations govern purchases at the store, requiring customers to present diplomatic IDs and store their phones in designated pouches. An innovative mobile app monitors individual allowances to prevent excessive imports of alcohol.
Previously, diplomats had the option to import alcohol for consumption within diplomatic compounds through a specialized service. Alternatively, some residents resorted to illicit means such as bootlegging or homebrewing, risking severe penalties like flogging and deportation if caught.
Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed and King Salman, Saudi Arabia has witnessed notable changes in recent years, including the opening of movie theaters, granting women the right to drive, and hosting music festivals.
While the country has adopted some modern freedoms, there remains a stringent approach towards political dissent, with severe consequences, possibly even capital punishment.
However, Saudi Arabia appears to be moving towards a more open and welcoming environment, possibly aiming to emulate the success of Dubai in attracting tourists.
