KUALA LUMPUR – Coffee shops selling beers were only notified of a new policy requiring them to apply for a new licence three weeks ago, just a month and a half before the ruling is supposed to come into force on January 1.
In confirming the policy imposed by the federal government, Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association president Keu Kok Meng said businesses have been taken aback by the sudden imposition of the licensing requirement.
Speaking to The Vibes, Keu said his association was called in for a briefing by the Customs Department last month to inform them of the decision.
“It will be enforced nationwide. Of that I’m certain, according to the briefing session. It is understood that enforcement comes under the Excise Regulations 1977. The legislation has been there, but they are only enforcing it now.
“Apparently, the Finance Ministry informed the Customs Department about the decision in March, but we are only being briefed now.
“Definitely, we feel a bit shortchanged by the short notice. So, we will certainly appeal the decision. In fact, we have written to the ministry, seeking for reconsideration.”
Keu said the timing of the implementation is especially odd – considering businesses are only beginning to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic – and warned that the new licensing policy could force many to stop their operations.
According to him, the licence could cost businesses between RM840 and RM1,320 annually, depending on the operation hours.
“Today, we already have 20%-30% of our association members closing shop because of the impact of the pandemic. So this is just terrible timing, particularly considering the amount of money and red tape involved.”
Keu also took issue with the lack of information and guidelines provided by the relevant authorities to coffee shops pertaining to the new ruling.
He said to date, there have not been any proper explanations provided pertaining to the process of obtaining the licence, and questioned whether the policy could even be implemented on time by January.
“So far, there have been no procedures provided on application. That is the worrying part for us. It is already nearing the end of the year. Hopefully, they will hold off (on) the implementation to a later date.”
The issue was highlighted by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng in a statement today, claiming that the government is adopting PAS’ extremist policies nationwide – including in Sabah and Sarawak – by requiring ordinary coffee shops selling beer to apply for alcohol licences.
This is on top of a separate policy in Perlis limiting coffee shops and restaurants to sell only four cartons of beer daily, he said, referring to a China Press report.
Lim argued that the issue does not only concern additional financing burden via extra licensing costs, but is also about deliberately imposing unnecessary restrictions and interfering in the customary lifestyle and business practices of non-Muslims.
The former finance minister questioned whether the decision had been influenced by Islamist party PAS, which is currently part of the government.
Issues concerning alcoholic beverages have been a sore point for the federal government of late, particularly after it imposed a ban on the sale of liquor at grocers, convenience stores, and Chinese medical halls in Kuala Lumpur effective last month. – The Vibes, December 5, 2021
