Saudi Arabia is ready to open its first liquor shop, catering exclusively to diplomats, breaking with many years of strict alcohol prohibition in the kingdom.
According to a source who spoke to Reuters, the shop will be located in the diplomatic quarter of the capital Riyadh and will be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims.
The opening of the store is expected in the next few weeks.
The kingdom has enforced a strict ban on alcoholic beverages since 1952, without any of the limited exceptions made by some neighboring Gulf states such as the UAE and Qatar.
While underground consumption of alcohol has always existed in the country, the new store marks the first legal sales of alcoholic beverages – a move likely to upset many conservative Muslims who consider alcohol consumption to be prohibited by Islamic teachings.
The announcement comes after local media highlighted regulations aimed at curbing the “improper exchange” of alcohol between diplomatic residences.
A Saudi government statement released on Wednesday stated that authorities were introducing “a new regulatory framework… to counter the illicit trade of alcohol goods and products received by diplomatic missions”.
Decades of prohibition
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been eager to implement various social reforms in the kingdom as part of his Saudi 2030 Vision.
In 2018, he lifted the ban on women driving and has allowed public concerts and the widespread prevalence of cinemas, while also cracking down on both liberal and conservative critics within the kingdom and stifling dissent.
Despite speculation, there have been numerous public objections to any suggestion of overturning the 72-year alcohol ban.
The 1952 ban was a response to an incident involving Prince Mishari bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a British diplomat, Cyril Ousman.
At a party hosted by the diplomat, the 19-year-old prince shot Ousman dead after he refused to serve him more alcohol.
Following the killing – which saw Prince Mishari sentenced to life imprisonment – King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the founder of the modern Saudi state, banned all alcohol in the country.
People found guilty of consuming alcohol in Saudi Arabia could previously face fines, imprisonment, public flogging, and deportation for foreigners.
