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Authorities being unfair, say Malaysia’s bar owners

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian authorities’ rejection of the application to host next month’s Better Beer Festival 2017 in the capital has left a number of pub owners and operators perplexed.

Beer lovers enjoying their brew at the previous beer festival. Photo: Malay Mail Online

Beer lovers enjoying their brew at the previous beer festival. Photo: Malay Mail Online

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KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian authorities’ rejection of the application to host next month’s Better Beer Festival 2017 in the capital has left a number of pub owners and operators perplexed.

Mr Edmund Anthony, music director of Backyard Pub in Sri Hartamas, said the rejection was unfair.

“It goes without saying that in Malaysia, only non-Muslims are invited to take part in any event or visit places that serve alcohol,” he said.

“I don’t think the organiser would blatantly violate the law, so it’s unfair for them to ban the festival on the grounds of religious sensitivities.

“This is a dangerous precedent. I hope City Hall reconsiders its decision and approves the application,” he added.

Mr Shaun Adrian, owner of Heritage Bistro in Jalan Gasing, shared similar sentiments. “I believe the objections to the festival infringe on the civil rights of non-Muslims. Beer is legal in this country so banning such an event only shows the narrow-mindedness of the authority.

“They might as well ban the sale of beer and alcohol in the country. The decision by City Hall is a step back,” he said.

Another owner, Mr Vimal Balan, said the move would hurt the government’s efforts to promote tourism.

“The Better Beer Festival has been going on for a number of years not only in Malaysia but all over the world, where beer manufacturers gather to educate people on different brands.

“This is a revenue-generating event for the government and promotes tourism. Just look at Germany. Millions travel there annually for Oktoberfest,” said the owner of Where Else Sports Bar here.

He added the claim such an event would cause crime was unfounded. “Crime occurs every day and it is not necessarily only related to alcohol.”

Mr Tony Siew, owner of Waikiki Bar, said the implications of the decision could be far-reaching.

“British American Tobacco has been shutting down its operations in stages since last year, and as a result the country has lost billion in taxes.

“If you ruffle the feathers of the liquor and beer companies, I am sure they will follow suit and eventually shut down their operations here and move elsewhere,” Mr Siew said.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Muslim Consumers’ Association would not object to the promotion and distribution of alcohol if it were organised within the confines of entertainment outlets, said its chief activist Nadzim Johan.

In agreeing with the move by City Hall to reject the application by the organisers of Better Beer Festival 2017 scheduled for next month, Mr Nadzim said such large-scale events which occupied public space were inappropriate.

“If they want to promote it at pubs, we are okay with it because that is how it has been done in the past,” Mr Nadzim told Malay Mail.

“This is not about religion as Malaysia is a multi-racial country. We cannot do something that is in conflict with the general order of things,” he added.

The authorities had previously announced that it denied approval for the festival following protests by PAS, and a senior official said the application was submitted this month.

The official added if the organiser insisted on continuing with the event, the council was entitled to act under existing legal provisions.

The festival’s organiser, Mybeer (M) Sdn Bhd, disclosed they were informed the ban was attributed to “religious sensitivities”.

The two-day festival was scheduled to be held on Oct 6 and 7 at Publika, Solaris Dutamas. It was to feature 250 craft beers from 43 breweries worldwide. Some 6,000 people were expected to attend this year’s festival.

Mr Nadzim quoted the example of ketum leaves and its juice which have been banned by the government.

“Despite the medical benefits of ketum, the ban remains in force because of its hallucinatory effects and abuse.

“Consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Islam. However, we do not oppose it to the extent that it should be banned in pubs,” he said.

“From our research, other religions do not condone consuming substances which would result in intoxication or misbehaviour.”

Mr Nadzim said any large-scale festivals or activities should promote the betterment of society.

On Monday, Mr Nadzim was reported as saying the impact of alcohol consumption on society should not be underestimated, adding it affected the health, safety and well-being of the people.

The first Better Beer Festival was held in 2012 in Changkat Bukit Bintang. Last year, the festival drew 3,500 craft beer lovers. MALAY MAIL ONLINE

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