According to two sources familiar with the plan, Saudi Arabia is considering permitting alcohol sales to non-Muslim diplomats for the first time, modifying strict liquor rules in the conservative country, AFP reported on Wednesday.
“One of the sources stated that alcohol ‘will be sold to non-Muslim diplomats,’ who previously had to import alcohol via a diplomatic pouch,” the report said.
Since 1952, prohibition has been enforced in Saudi Arabia, following an incident where one of King Abdulaziz’s sons fatally shot a British diplomat in a drunken rage.
Speculations about alcohol becoming available in the Gulf kingdom have circulated for years amidst social reforms introduced under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda, including the introduction of cinemas and mixed-gender music festivals.
In a government statement on Wednesday, authorities announced the introduction of “a new regulatory framework to counter the illicit trade of alcohol goods and products received by diplomatic missions.”
The statement assured that the policy “will continue to grant and ensure that all diplomats of non-Muslim embassies have access to these products in specified quotas.”
While the statement indicated minimal immediate changes for the majority of Saudi Arabia’s population, where alcohol consumption options are limited, the topic remains sensitive under Saudi law.
Penalties for alcohol consumption or possession can include fines, jail time, public flogging, and deportation for foreigners.
Despite speculations fueled by Saudi Arabia’s hosting rights for Expo 2030 and the World Cup in 2034, the issue remains contentious due to the country’s religious significance as home to Islam’s holiest sites.
Saudi officials had previously dismissed suggestions of significant policy changes until Wednesday’s announcement.
