AA bans import of beer and liquor into Arakan State

By Admin 24 Sep 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 September 2024, Sittwe

The Arakkha Army (AA) issued an order on September 19 prohibiting the import of beer and other alcoholic beverages into Arakan State from domestic and international sources.

The order said that any remaining alcohol stocks must be sold within three months and further imports of alcoholic beverages would not be allowed.

“We accept the AA’s ban and we didn’t suffer losses as it took us three months to sell the remaining alcohol stocks,” said a liquor shop owner in Mrauk-U.

Most beer and alcoholic beverages sold in Arakan State are produced by military-owned conglomerates, with speculation widespread that the ban is an effort to reduce one stream of revenue for the regime. 

“Beer and other alcoholic beverages do not have to be thrown away even if they are not sold.  Even though the prices of beer and other alcoholic beverages are high, people still drink them. The AA’s restrictions may be an attempt to reduce revenue,” said a businessman in Arakan State.

DMG continues to attempt to contact U Khaing Thukha, spokesman for the AA, regarding the matter.

Among alcoholic beverages manufactured in mainland Myanmar, Andaman beer now costs over K10,000 per bottle in Arakan State and Grand Royal whiskey can cost up to K30,000 per bottle.

One resident of Arakan State said they generally approved of the AA’s move, but that it ran the risk of bootlegging and worse without proper regulation of the alcohol produced in Arakan State. 

“The AA’s move is good, but people will drink locally produced liquor. Now, local alcohol is mixed with medicine and sold, which may cause a lot of harm to the health of those who drink it,” the resident said.