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Whatever will be · Joined: 05 Feb 2014 Posts: 303

http://www.timesofoman.com/News/35105/Article-Majlis-Al-Shura-plans-to-impose-curbs-on-trade-intake-of-alcohol-in-Oman

Muscat: Plans are afoot to impose new restrictions on the trade as well as consumption of alcohol in Oman.
Members of the Majlis Al Shura are planning a vote on the issue on June 22 to bring in stricter rules regarding the sale and availability of alcohol. If passed, the proposal will be referred to the Council of Ministers.

A Majlis Al Shura member said, "We will work towards formulating a law that will advocate more restrictions. We feel the easy going attitude towards the consumption and sale of alcohol is not doing any good." The move by Majlis Al Shura's members follows frequent calls from the nationals to ban alcohol in Oman.

"Many citizens have approached us asking for restrictions on easy availability of alcohol. They feel there has been a huge social and health impact due to the consumption of alcohol."

Members are also likely to recommend a ban on alcohol in public places like bars and nightclubs. More restrictions are likely to be imposed on owners of liquor shops besides checks on new shops licenced to sell liquor.

The proposal, moved by the Legal Committee of Majlis Al Shura, will include the amendments mentioned in the Omani Penal Code articles regarding the trade and consumption of alcohol.

The members have plans to urge the authorities to keep a strict tab on the flourishing black market trade in alcohol.

"We will push for harsher penalties on those found selling alcohol in the black market," he said.

It is important to note that according to the latest ROP figures, drinking while driving resulted in 167 road accidents that left 15 dead and many injured.

It is also important to remember that an amount of OMR45 million is being spent annually by the government on an average to treat alcohol related diseases.

Official figures reveal that there has been a four per cent rise in the number of such patients since 2010.

Some of the Majlis Al Shura members who want a complete ban on alcohol in the country are calling for changes in the penal code articles and have urged to criminalise the trade and consumption of alcohol in Oman.

He said efforts must be made to make the availability of alcohol very difficult.

"Many families have faced the brunt of having an alcoholic in the family. Therefore, it is in the interest of families that alcohol laws become stricter in the country," he said.

He also feels once the laws come into effect, youngsters will not be exposed to alcohol.

About whether it will have an impact on tourism, the Majlis Al Shura member feels that "there will not be any significant impact on tourism because tourists mainly come to experience the country."

Doctors in Oman have also been urging the government to start a campaign to combat alcoholism before the problem gets out of control.

It may be recalled that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have completely banned the sale and consumption of alcohol.

To get in touch with the reporter: [email protected]

pooroldedgar · Joined: 07 Oct 2010 Posts: 181

Are the hotels and bars and liquor stores owned by Omanis? If so, they'll be facing a serious loss of revenue. And what tourist is going to chose Oman. Even non-drinkers will be turned off by the draconian idea. Anyone fancy a holiday is beautiful, sunny Kuwait?

Whatever will be · Joined: 05 Feb 2014 Posts: 303

Well, if Oman gets dry then expats have the Saudi lifestyle without the pay.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I noted that even back when I was there in the 80's that Omanis were hitting the bars in spite of the laws... and already an obvious problem with alcoholism. It reminded me very much of the alcohol problem on the reservations in the US. Many of the teachers never bothered with the licenses... like me... and it doesn't seem to bother most expats in Kuwait or Saudi... as they seem to get access relatively easily. I was never at a party in Kuwait that didn't have plenty of alcohol... and none of the bathtub variety.

CVN-76 · Joined: 28 Mar 2014 Posts: 171

Tazz · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 512 Location: Jakarta

I'd say that at least 25-30% of customers in 'Rock Bottom' boozing it up on the extended happy hour session, until 10 pm, are Omanis....who 'shouldn't ' be drinking -right? They aren't allowed to purchase from the liquor store, although I know there are ways around this, but how about enforcing the law and refusing service to them in the hotel bars?!!! Oh the horror-'migrant employees saying 'no' to an Omani!!!

MuscatGary · Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 10:31 am Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Not being a drinker and avoiding the bar scene (did that in the 70's... no urge to get anywhere near them again in this life), I was told in the 90's that Omanis were not supposed to be served... whether or not they were eating or whatever they were wearing. But they were there then too.

I suspect that the reason that this law/rule may have gone by the wayside is because of the difficulty/impossibility of the servers being able to enforce it.

VS

MuscatGary · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 12:15 pm Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

It usually is about money in the end. Personally, I think that the arrival of easy to get alcohol in Oman has only been a negative and they would have been better off never opening access.

It is doing to local culture what it did/does on the reservations in the US.

VS

MuscatGary · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 11:42 am Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Of course... human nature is as it has always been and there have always been a certain number who need the crutch to cope with or escape from life. But the cure is not to make any and all of it easily available. The way is to control sales, and provide drug treatment for the many that can't handle it... organizations of the AA sort... medical care if needed.

Ignoring it and openly feeding their addiction doesn't help. One of the biggest problems with this is that it is totally culturally unacceptable... AND... a sin. That makes it so much harder to help those who need it.

VS

MuscatGary · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 1:40 pm Post subject:

Organisations like AA just substitute one kind of addiction for another.

johnslat · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 2:08 pm Post subject:

Dear MuscatGary,

"Organisations like AA just substitute one kind of addiction for another."

Hmm, what would the substitute of alcohol be? Attending meetings? Very Happy

If so, I would think being a meeting addict might be more beneficial for one's health.

Regards,
John

MuscatGary · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 2:19 pm Post subject:

[quote="johnslat"]Dear MuscatGary,

"Organisations like AA just substitute one kind of addiction for another."

Hmm, what would the substitute of alcohol be? Attending meetings? Very Happy

If so, I would think being a meeting addict might be more beneficial for one's health.

Regards,
John[/quote

People with addictive personalities are easy prey for quasi-religious superstition addiction was actually my point.