Saudi Arabia to Open 1st Liquor Store in the Country for Non-Muslim Diplomats

As part of reforms, Saudi Arabia is planning to open its first liquor outlet in the capital city of Riyadh. But this alcohol store will exclusively cater to non-Muslim diplomats, reported Reuters quoting a source.

As per reports, to avail the facility of this first liquor store in the Islamic nation, the customers will have to register via a mobile app, get a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and respect monthly quotas with their purchases.

The move coincides with efforts of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to open the ultra-conservative Muslim country for tourism and business as part of his Vision 2030 to build a post-oil economy.

Drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam. So, the proposed liquor store will only be meant for foreign diplomats. The alcohol store will be set up in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter and will be “strictly restricted” to non-Muslims. Whether other non-Muslim expatriates will have access to the store has not been clarified.

Saudi Arabia has strict laws against drinking alcohol which can be punishable by hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment.