Indonesia’s Islamic parties push for nationwide booze ban

Booze ban could hit the whole of Indonesia. Image by 國國 / CC BY 2.0

Two Islamic parties have proposed legislation to ban the sale, production, distribution and consumption of beverages in Indonesia with an alcohol content exceeding one percent, including local brews such as rice wine. Criticised for its potential to hurt tourism, the proposed bill comes as a new regulation banning the sale of alcoholic drinks at mini-markets across the archipelago comes into force on Thursday, although they will still be sold at supermarkets, hotels, bars and restaurants. Lawmakers claim the bans are not for religious or ideological purposes, but to protect children. Reuters.com