Bahraini.TV

MPs demand total ban on alcohol in Bahrain

by mahmood on 30/04/08 at 10:06 am

MPs yesterday unanimously demanded a total ban on alcohol in Bahrain. They voted in favour of a parliament-proposed law banning the import, possession, sale or production of alcohol. But to become law, the proposal would have to be accepted by the government and the Shura Council.

MPs said the current law, initiated in 1956, allowing the import, possession, sale and production of alcohol under government supervision was unconstitutional and should be scrapped.

If approved by the government, the law will be drafted and submitted to parliament and the Shura Council for discussion. In case it is passed by both chambers, it would then be ratified by His Majesty King Hamad.

Under the law, proposed by Al Asala Bloc, those who breach the alcohol ban would be either punished with three years in prison or fined up to BD500, or both.

Al Asala bloc vice-president Ibrahim Busandal said the government’s stance on alcohol was “regretful”.

“The government is the one giving licences for alcohol to enter the country, instead of banning it,” he said.

“Can anyone imagine Bahrain, a Muslim country, importing around 16 million litres of liquor in 2005?”

“This is the only figure we have at the moment and we fear the number has doubled in the three years that followed.”

Mr Busandal said Islam was strict on banning alcohol.

“Whether they are producers, drinkers, distributors, sellers and those who eat from its money are all damned by God,” he said.

“Alcohol is the biggest sin, the mother of all sins.”

Mr Busandal said the Constitution stated that Bahrain was a Muslim country, but it doesn’t adhere to Islamic rules and values. “Having alcohol in the country is not just against Islam, but also the Constitution, and this means that the 1956 law is unconstitutional and should be scrapped,” he said.

Mr Busandal said alcohol consumed by people “day and night” was the main reason behind many tragedies in society.

“It is the reason behind crimes, dysfunctional families, serious traffic accidents and health problems,” he said.

“Studies have proved that most suicide and rape cases are influenced by alcohol and this is why we are taking a stance against it.”