The New York Times reported on Saturday about the possibility that Saudi Arabia is loosening its legislative grip on alcohol sales. Though the government remains silent on a more lax liquor policy, the article shared that non Muslim foreigners with a “premium residency” permit can purchase alcohol. In order to obtain a premium residency permit, one must be either wealthy or extremely educated. Those employed must work for government-owned companies or in other industries like health care.
A few customers spoke on the condition of anonymity according to The New York Times. They reported that diplomats faced one tier of pricing, and premium residents paid even higher prices for alcohol.
At the moment, the owner of the store is a mystery. Though the government has not yet spoken out on the more lax restrictions, that appears to be par for the course.
“This is similar to how Saudi authorities approached a lot of social policies,” an Assistant Professor at Tulane University in New Orleans and Saudi Political Expert Andrew Leber said, according to the New York Times. “Allow relatively incremental changes under the surface without making a big announcement, giving them plausible deniability in case they want to pause or roll back the policy at some point.”
The country has not yet gone public with any announcements about rolling back its alcohol policy, but the unmarked store sits in a quiet neighborhood filled with embassies. A sign reads “VAT EXEMPT GOODS FOR DIPLOMATS ONLY,” according to the New York Times.
The outlet reports that the government most likely owns the shop and that customers can purchase a monthly allotment of alcohol that legislators track with a linked government ID number. The New York Times reached out to The Center for International Communication, but the government-owned media office declined to comment.
Saudi Arabia and Prohibition — A Country On The Cusp of Change?
Saudi Arabia first enforced Prohibition in 1952. It was implemented by King Ibn Saud after a British Vice Consul named Cyril Ousman was murdered by Prince Mishari. Yet it appears the country has realized what it has to gain from more lax liquor laws and a larger food and beverage scene.
News of Saudi Arabia’s first liquor store opening made headlines at the BBC in January 2024, over 70 years later.
According to the outlet, the loosening of restrictions on alcohol is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 policy, which is part of Mohammed bin Salman’s regime.
Though the Saudi crown prince has admittedly cracked down on free speech and is at the center of the controversy regarding the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, his social and economic policies skew towards a more progressive side. Recent reforms include allowing women to drive, reducing the power of the religious police, and investing heavily in renewable energy.
Though some remain skeptical of the policies, Saudi Arabia’s revitalized food and beverage scene appear to be growing. Statista reported that revenue growth is expected to grow at 9.57% a year.
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