KL Bans Liquor Sales In Kedai Runcit & Convenience Stores From 2021 Onwards

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Kuala Lumpur will be implementing a new set of rules and regulations to control the sale, availability and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the city, beginning 1 October 2021.

The new guidelines, provided by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL), will effectively ban the sale of hard liquor beverages at all kedai runcit, grocery shops and convenience stores in KL.

The liquor ban will also extend to traditional Chinese medicine or herbalist stores – except for “pure” or “mixed” liquor products that are used for medicinal purposes.

According to DBKL, these businesses won’t be allowed to renew their liquor licenses past 30 September, next year

DBKL explains that the guidelines would ensure the safety and health of KL and its inhabitants.

What’s allowed?

• Grocery shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicinal shops still allowed to sell beer.
• Hard liquor beverages still allowed to be sold at supermarkets, hypermarkets and trading complexes.

DBKL’s new rules on alcohol sales from 2021 onwards

• Grocery shops, convenience stores and Chinese medicinal shops will only be allowed to sell beer between 7am – 9pm, placed separately from other non-alcoholic beverages and closed off once the time limit expires.
• Wholesalers can only sell alcohol between 7am – 9pm.
• Bars, pubs, lounges, restaurants and beer houses are only allowed to sell alcohol between 10am – 12am. However, an extension can be given for premises to remain open until 2am.
• Premises selling alcohol are not allowed to operate in front of police stations, places of worship, schools and hospitals.
• Businesses must display their liquor license at all times – a blue license means that customers are allowed to drink at the premise, while a yellow license only allows for “take-away” purchases.
• Alcoholic beverages strictly cannot be sold or served to Muslims and customers below the age of 21.
• Businesses must encourage their customers to have designated drivers while out drinking or use e-hailing services.
• Businesses are banned from selling alcoholic beverages in the form of “sachets”.
• Starting 15 December 2020, the sale and consumption of “samsu” or cheap liquor will be banned in KL.

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