Kelantan ready to issue more liquor licences

(Bernama) – The Kelantan PAS government is ready to issue additional liquor licences, according to the needs of non-Muslim residents in the state, said state local government, culture, tourism committee chairman Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan.

He said the move proved that the state government had no restrictions on non-Muslims consuming alcohol in a state which practises Islamic administrative policies.

“We have not imposed restrictions on non-Muslims because we control the use of liquor among them, and we are ready to increase liquor licences, if necessary,” he told reporters after launching the Crown Garden Hotel here today.

Also present at the event was hotel general manager Iby Quek.

Takiyuddin said in Kota Bharu alone, the state government had issued 28 liquor licences, including Jalan Kebun Sultan, better known as ‘Chinatown’.

However, he said gambling licences would not be offered as the activity was not only prohibited by all religions, but also frowned upon by families.