Minimart Booze Ban to Be Enforced From Mid-April, Trade Ministry Says
Jakarta. A new regulation which bans beers and pre-mixed drinks from being sold in the country’s ubiquitous minimarts will be enforced three months from mid-April, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel said in a press conference on Wednesday.
Gobel said according to the regulation he signed on Jan. 16, the government will ban the sale of beverages with an alcohol content up to 5 percent level, including beers and pre-mixed drinks, in mini-markets, such as Indomaret, Alfamart, Circle K and 7-11.
The minimarts have been given a grace period of three months from when the regulation was signed, effectively outlawing the sales from April 16.
“The trade ministry issued this regulation to ensure the future of our youth,” said Rachmat, whose family controls Gobel Group, a conglomerate with a variety of businesses spanning from manufacturing, logistics, trading, hospitality to industrial catering.
“Some say ‘it’s only five percent,’ but such beverages are sold near houses, schools and places of worship,” Rachmat said.
According to data from the ministry, Indonesia has about 23,000 minimarkets, some of which are close to schools and residential ares for customer convenience.
Local media has reported the strongest criticism of the regulation has come from Bali, Indonesia’s most popular tourism destination.
Still, Rachmat said he believes the changes wouldn’t dissuade tourists from visiting Indonesia, as they can purchase alcoholic beverages in cafes, or supermarkets and hypermarkets.
Education Minister Anies Baswedan applauded the trade ministry’s move.
“This regulation really helps children or school kids from avoiding exposure to such liquor.”
“Environment is important and we want to create a conducive environment for the students,” Anis said.
Tags: Keywords: