AA bans sale, consumption of booze linked to regime

By Admin 20 Dec 2024

DMG Newsroom
20 December 2024, Mrauk-U

The Arakkha Army (AA) has banned the sale and consumption of all imported and domestic alcoholic beverages including liquor, beer and wine in its areas of control starting December 20, according to residents.

The ethnic armed group banned the import of all foreign and domestic alcoholic drinks into Arakan State on September 19, giving shops three more months to sell off their stocks.

With the grace period now over, the AA has issued a prohibition order in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Ponnagyun townships.

"It has completely banned the sale, storage and consumption of alcohol and beer," said a resident of Kyauktaw.

The AA has also warned of harsh action against non-compliance, without specifying penalties.

Liquor store owners say they don't know how AA authorities will handle unsold alcohol, beer, and wine.

"We can't sell anymore as the deadline has passed. We don't know if the authorities will come and confiscate the unsold alcohol and beer or how they will handle it," said a store owner in Mrauk-U Township.

Many of the alcohol and beer brands supplied to the Arakan market from Yangon come from companies owned by the Myanmar military.

One woman in Arakak State said: "The ban is one way of attacking the regime, which has been killing civilians daily across the country. So, I support and welcome it."

The ban is expected to increase the consumption of locally produced rice wine and palm liquor, potentially boosting local employment.