Bali Introduces Ban On Supermarket Alcohol Sales

KUTA, BALI, INDONESIA - APRIL 16: Two refrigerators that contain beer which are covered with a white banner are seen at Circle K, while the worker of Circle K sits and holds his smartphone on April 16, 2015 in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia. Indonesia, on April 16, banned small retailers from selling beer which is proposed that legislation by two Islamic parties-the Prosperous Justice Party and the United Development Party-that would ban all consumption of alcoholic drinks and bring jail terms of up to two years for offenders in Indonesia, home to the world's largest Muslim population. The regulation states that it is needed to protect public morals and culture and to improve the control and supervision of alcohol production, distribution and sales. There had been particular anxiety about how the ban might affect tourism on the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali. However, Indonesian trade minister Rachmat Gobel, who was shouted at during an ill-tempered meeting with community leaders in Bali last weekend, has now pledged to ease the restrictions on the island to ensure street vendors can still sell beer at the beach. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Getty Images)