THE Federal Government’s recent announcement that coffee shops selling beer nationwide will be required to apply for a new licence is unreasonable and unfair, says Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng.
It was recently reported by an English daily that annual licence fees between RM840 and RM1,320 will be charged to the businesses depending on operation hours.
“Why suddenly impose such a new policy that will affect business practices and customary lifestyle of non-Muslims?
“This is something that has been undisturbed ever since our country gained its independence in 1957. This is really unreasonable and unfair by all means.
“Hence, it is hoped that the Federal Government will review the decision made and maintain the current practice without the hefty alcohol licence fee policy,” Guan Eng told a press conference at Wisma DAP in Jalan Rangoon today.
It was believed that the new licence policy, which will take effect from Jan 1 next year, comes under the Excise Regulations 1977.
Guan Eng, who was also former Penang Chief Minister, said such a policy would not only jeopardise the rights of non-Muslims in the country, but further wreck coffee shop businesses.
“In a time where the Covid-19 pandemic is slowly toning down its rage in our country and many businesses were finally able to operate, this move is definitely deemed unnecessary,” he added.
At the press conference, he also urged local governments from other states to not cooperate until and unless the Finance Ministry and Customs Department provide further clarification on the new policy.
Prior to this move, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had prohibited sundry shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicine halls in the capital from selling hard liquor effective this month.
Among those present during the press conference were Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar