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09 August 2009

Convenience stores to practice self regulation on alcoholic drinks


SHAH ALAM: Convenience stores in Shah Alam will practice self-regulation in the sale of alcoholic drinks to respect the sensitivities of the Muslim community on the issue.

The self-regulation approach was reached in a meeting between Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) officials and Shah Alam convenience store operators at the state secretary building here today.

The self-regulation approach includes no display of alcoholic drinks while the purchase of the drinks will only be made upon request at the cashier counters. The self-regulation approach is in addition to the existing regulations which bar the sale of alcoholic drink to Muslims and those under the age of 18.

This approach will be closely monitored and studied in the next month before a standard formula is drafted for the rest of the state.

“This is the best solution for the state in addressing the issue at hand. We believe this approach can curb social ills caused by abuse of alcohol and will deter students and young people from purchasing alcoholic drinks,” said Tan Sri Abdul Khalid.

He called all parties to respect the solution reached today and urged those who politicize the issue to stop creating confusions among the multi-racial society in Selangor.

“The state government understands the fear of the abuse of alcohol and social ills caused by the abuse and addiction of alcohol. We believe that it can be curbed by proper education and this can be effectively done if all stakeholders – the residents, State Governments and its agencies, the business community and civil society – play their respective roles and responsibilities effectively. These bodies could also take on the role of the rehabilitation of alcoholics, and to curb the effects of alcohol abuse on domestic violence, the real victims of alcoholism.”

This is why, he added, the state favours the self-regulation approach instead of imposing more rules and regulations that may not be effective and counter-productive.

The Menteri Besar also thanked the convenience store operators – including 7-Eleven, KK Supermart and 99 Speedmart – who attended the meeting today for their commitment in carrying out the approach.

In the meeting, all store operators said that they have been sensitive to the plight of the locals on the issue. To date, 7-Eleven has stopped the sale of alcoholic drinks in 10 out of their 17 outlets in Shah Alam beginning August 5, 2009.

PRESS SECRETARIAT
OFFICE OF DATO’ MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR

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