Malaysia

Eateries that also sell alcohol not in NSC’s banned list: Ismail Sabri

It falls under local authorities’ purview, says minister, as business owners remain baffled over enforcement action

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 20 Feb 2021 3:39PM

Eateries that also sell alcohol not in NSC’s banned list: Ismail Sabri — Several bar and restaurant owners in Jalan Telawi, Bangsar, were shocked by police orders to stop serving alcohol last night. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, February 20, 2021

by G. Surach

KUALA LUMPUR – To deepen the confusion for business owners, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today said enforcement relating to the sale of alcohol in restaurants is not under the purview of the National Security Council (NSC).

Ismail Sabri told The Vibes that NSC’s negative list under its current standard operating procedures (SOPs) included pubs, bars, nightclubs, and entertainment and karaoke centres.

“The negative list means that they are not allowed to open or operate.

“Restaurants that sell liquor are not included in the list. After all, most Japanese restaurants sell sake (a Japanese alcoholic drink).”

He added that such enforcement measures fall under the local authority’s purview.

Checks on Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) website revealed that hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes, lounge bars and entertainment centres and club houses fall under the Public Housing Class 1 category for licence to sell alcohol.

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob says restaurants that sell liquor are not included in the NSC’s list of businesses banned from operating during the MCO. – File pic, February 20, 2021

The Vibes is attempting to reach DBKL for comments on enforcement measures and licensing.

The matter follows several bar and restaurant owners in Jalan Telawi, Bangsar, expressing shock after they were ordered by police to stop serving alcohol last night.

It is understood that some of these bars operate as restaurants serving food, but also sell alcohol.

However, in another twist, some of the bar and restaurant owners said the police allowed the outlets to eventually serve alcohol close to 10pm, which is the mandated closing hour for most outlets operating in the area.

Brickfields police chief Anuar Omar has insisted that his personnel were only doing their job by ordering bars and restaurants in Telawi to stop serving alcohol last night. – February 20, 2021

According to the NSC SOPs, only pubs and clubs are prohibited from operating during the movement control order (MCO).

Earlier today, Brickfields police chief Anuar Omar insisted that his personnel were only doing their job, while calling for the disgruntled bar and restaurant owners to take their complaints to the NSC.

Bangsar Bar and Restaurants Owners representative Siva Shankar also told The Vibes that the group will address the issue this evening. – The Vibes, February 20, 2021