Bahrain debates duty-free liquor ban

Gavin Lipsith

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A proposal by five Bahrain members of parliament suggests forbidding the sale of liquor at the airport's duty-free outlets

Bahrain International airport could face a ban on duty-free liquor sales if the national parliament approves a proposal led by Sheik Mohammed Kalid, according to the Gulf Daily News. Five members of parliament, led by the influential conservative sheik, have proposed the ban on the grounds that liquor sales give the Islamic country a bad image.

The proposal is being discussed by the parliament's public utilities and environmental affairs committee. Chairman Abdulaziz Al Moosa has urged the MPs to withdraw the suggestion, saying that people would criticise the government if liquor sales were banned. He said: "If we discuss it, then it will pass without any hesitation, but then parliament will be criticised by people. We haven't yet discussed the issue thoroughly, but economic specialists will be attending our meeting to give their feedback on the effect it would have on the country's economy."

Sheik Kalid said he hoped the proposals would reach even further. "I hope that [the sale of liquor] would be stopped in the entire airport, not just at the duty-free shops. We will not stop until alcohol disappears from the country and any place where alcohol is sold will be targeted by MPs until they close down, if not today in the future."

Liquor accounted for 13.2% of total sales at Bahrain Duty Free in 2004, according to the DFNI Database & Directory 2005/2006, with sales reaching $8.2m.

DFNI Asia is seeking comment from the trade. Keep an eye on RavenFox.com for more details as they emerge.