Bye, bye Bintang: Beer ban an inconvenience for tourists

Jakarta/Coconuts

Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika is backing the central government's ban despite fears that the new regulation will frustrate tourists on the island.

Indonesia is introducing a ban on the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages at mini markets and convenience stores, effective April 16.

Bali governor Made Mangku Pastika is backing the central government's ban despite fears that the new regulation will frustrate tourists on the island.

“If the government has already decided, we have to follow the rules,” said Pastika.

Wayan Jun, a minimarket owner in Denpasar, told VIVA news that beer sales offer a significant income for him.

“Here, beer accounts for about 35 percent of revenue,” he said.

Alcoholic drinks can still be purchased from licensed supermarkets and hypermarkets.