Indonesia has introduced a ban on small retailers selling most alcoholic drinks, the latest move to curb drinking in the Muslim-majority country despite opposition from tourism hotspots.
The ban restricts the sale of beer and pre-mixed drinks – such as spirits with soft drinks – to large supermarkets only. Hotels, restaurants and bars are unaffected.
There had been particular anxiety about how the ban might affect tourism on the Hindu-majority resort island of Bali. However, the trade minister, Rachmat Gobel, who was shouted at during an ill-tempered meeting with community leaders in Bali last weekend, pledged to ease the restrictions on the island to ensure street vendors could still sell beer at the beach.
The ban is the latest sign that conservative forces in the country are pushing back against growing alcohol consumption. This week Islamic parties proposed a total ban on drinking.