It may be an unpopular opinion, but Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy says the new liquor licence for coffee shops is long overdue, as it is standard practice in most countries, including Singapore.
The Universiti Sains Malaysia honorary associate professor in criminology stressed that such a requirement would reduce the sale of illicit alcohol and curb underage drinking.
“I am all for the licence, not just for coffee shops, but also for mini-markets and sundry shops,” said Sundramoorthy.
“In Malaysia, the legal drinking age is 21. But how many outlets ask customers to show identification before allowing them to buy beer or hard liquor?
“By having the licence, the owners must be accountable to whom they sell to, and they must keep proper records.”
He said it was common knowledge that many outlets sold beer and hard liquor where the duties had not been paid.
“The Dewan Rakyat was told today that the government had saved nearly a billion ringgit in lost tax revenue in the last two years from seized illicit cigarettes and alcohol.”
Deputy Finance Minister 1 Mohd Shahar Abdullah revealed that there were 2,842 cases of contraband alcohol and tobacco products seized by the Customs Department last year, with a total value of RM97.34 million. As of September this year, there were 2,518 cases, valued at RM41.43 million.
Sundramoorthy, however, said the authorities had to be flexible in giving shop owners enough time to apply for the licence, which would be a requirement for coffee shops in the Klang Valley, starting Jan 1, 2022.
“Some owners claim they only found out about this a few weeks ago. If that’s the case, it’s too short a notice for them to get the new licence,” he said.
“Many are already suffering because of Covid-19… Some may not be able to finish their stocks before the year ends. Perhaps the authorities could give them more time before it was made a requirement.”
Sundramoorthy said it was equally important that the process in applying for a licence be made easy and not be bogged down with bureaucratic red tape, which in turn, could encourage corruption.
He added the issue should not be politicised as this was not about quashing the rights of non-Muslims.
“The issue is not about religion or race. We should not politicise the decision.
“In Singapore, coffee shop owners must apply for a liquor licence to sell beer and hard liquor. It is not an issue over there,” said Sundramoorthy.
“Singapore also has several categories for the licence, so as not to burden business owners.
“We should look at that structure when deciding on the fee for the licence. We also need to discuss what happens when customers bring their own liquor to the restaurants. Will they be allowed to consume it on the premises?”
He suggested that part of the revenue from the licence be used to educate the public about the dangers of alcohol abuse and rehabilitate those who need help.
