In a first for the conservative Gulf nation, Saudi Arabia is preparing to open an exclusive alcohol store catering to foreign diplomats in Riyadh. The shop will require patrons to register through a mobile app and adhere to strict monthly drink quotas.
As per a confidential document seen by Reuters, only non-Muslim members of the international diplomatic corps above the age of 21 will be granted access to the store. They will need clearance from the foreign ministry as well as agree to a ceiling of 120 cans of beer, 40 bottles of wine, or 2 bottles of spirits per month.
The move represents a dramatic shift from Saudi’s complete prohibition of alcohol imposed under the kingdom’s rigid Islamic laws. Until now, possessing or consuming alcohol invited severe punishment including public flogging, hefty fines, jail time, and deportation.
The special alcohol shop located in the Diplomatic Quarter is aimed at preventing diplomats from procuring liquor through black market channels, the authorities said. However, it remains unclear if ordinary expatriate workers will also be permitted to purchase drinks from there.
The store expected to open in the coming weeks has evoked surprise and controversy as part of reformist Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s drive toward modernization. While he has curtailed the powers of religious police and initiated social openings, the majority in the deeply conservative nation continues resisting such sweeping changes.
As Saudi Arabia attempts to ease restrictions and change perceptions about its closed society, the alcohol shop represents limited albeit symbolic progress. But the country still has a long way to go in terms of granting personal freedoms and liberty to all its residents.
